Update Wednesday, July 9:
The Oregon Health Authority says the public can return to ocean waters at Nye Beach in Newport. The beach has been under a health advisory for a little over a week after higher than normal levels of fecal bacteria was discovered in the water there.
The contamination could have been caused by a storm, failed septic system, sewer overflow or animal waste.
In a news release Wednesday, OHA officials said a recent test showed normal bacteria levels, though people should still avoid standing pools of water because they’re more likely to have contamination than regular ocean water.
NEWPORT — Oregon Health Authority issued a public health advisory Wednesday for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Newport, saying that people should avoid direct contact with the water until the advisory is lifted.
Nye Beach is one of seven beaches in Lincoln County being monitored for fecal bacteria from June to September by the OHA, but the first to have a warning issued this summer.
The monitoring entails collecting water quality samples at the most frequently visited beaches on the coast as well as beaches where state regulators have found bacteria in the past. The state also monitors beaches where local organizations and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.
The city of Newport would be conducting its own testing at Nye Creek, a city spokesperson told the Lincoln Chronicle.
The agency said beachgoers should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife, the OHA said.
While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials said other recreational activities on the beach do not pose a health risk.
I submitted a comment through the City of Newport’s online portal asking why the City had not sent out a warning, in any form (text, email, auto phone system) to the residents of Newport. I never received a reply. It seems as if they could have used the County’s alert system as an easy backup.