Curry County’s Mill Beach Issued With A Fecal Bacteria Advisory

CURRY COUNTY, Ore — An advisory issued by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recommends no contact with the water at Mill Beach in Curry County following a finding of high bacteria levels.

Unsafe Levels Of Fecal Bacteria Found In Mill Beach Ocean Water

A public health advisory confirming that there are unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in the ocean waters at Mill Beach has been issued by the OHA. It indicates that direct contact with the water in the area should be avoided until the advisory is lifted.

Wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, discolored water, and water runoff flowing into the ocean may also be affected because levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources. The OHA recommends all these water sources be avoided.

Further Information about advisories is available on their website at the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program. Their contact number is 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from inland and shore sources creating unsafe conditions at the beach. These include:

• Sewer overflows.
• Failing septic systems.
• Stormwater runoff.
• Animal waste from wildlife, livestock, and pets.

Even when no advisory is in effect, the OHA said that within 48 hours after a rainstorm, people should avoid swimming in the sea.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, skin rashes, and other sicknesses according to the OHA. Elderly people, children, and people with compromised immune systems should be extra cautious because they are more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria illnesses.

Unsafe Water Activity Restrictions On Mill Beach

After an OHA advisory is issued- and when bacteria levels are at a safe level, the OHA will notify the public when the advisory is lifted.

The current advisory in effect at Mill Beach does not affect other beach activities and state officials encourage other recreational activities such as walking or playing on the beach, flying kites, and picnicking. The OHA said these activities pose no health risk even during an advisory.