NEWPORT, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted a public health advisory for ocean water contact at Nye Beach in Lincoln County after follow-up testing showed bacteria levels have returned to normal.
The advisory was originally issued on June 9 after water samples collected at the popular coastal beach detected elevated levels of fecal bacteria, raising concerns about potential health risks for swimmers and beachgoers.
According to OHA, new water quality tests conducted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found significantly lower bacteria levels, indicating that contact with ocean water at Nye Beach no longer poses an increased health risk.
While the advisory has been removed, health officials continue to urge visitors to avoid large pools of standing water on the beach that are frequently visited by birds, as well as any runoff from those pools. Such areas may still contain elevated bacteria levels resulting from animal waste.
Oregon has monitored water quality at popular coastal recreation sites since 2003 through a program funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The monitoring effort is a partnership among the Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The program regularly tests beach water for fecal bacteria and provides timely public notifications when elevated levels are detected to help protect public health.
Additional information about beach water quality and monitoring efforts is available through the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program. Residents can also contact OHA’s toll-free information line for updates and assistance.
Nye Beach remains open to the public, and officials encourage visitors to continue following posted safety recommendations while enjoying Oregon’s coastline.
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