The Natural Resources Department of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments has issued a Creek Safety Watch for some waterways in the Bear Creek Basin of Jackson County.
According to RVCOG, routine, monthly water quality testing indicate that four creeks have exceeded state bacteria standards for contact recreation. Residents are urged to use caution when in contact with any waterway and especially to avoid ingestion which may cause illness and contact with open wounds which may cause infection.
The waterways listed in the Watch include Walker Creek at Dead Indian Memorial Road in Ashland, Bear Creek at Suncrest Road in Talent to Fern Valley Road in Phoenix, Jackson Creek at Beall Lane to Dean Creek Road in Jacksonville/Central Point, and Griffin Creek at Interstate 5 in Central Point.
Possible cause of high levels of bacteria in the creeks include pet waste, livestock waste, wild animals, leaking septic systems, illegal dumping from portable toilets or RVs, or any other activity that results in the discharge of fecal matter directly into creeks or through storm drains.
Very young children should be fully supervised when playing in the water to avoid swallowing it. It is important to note that contact with any water body -- creeks, rivers, lakes or swimming pools -- carries some level of risk.
Citizens are asked to notify the appropriate agency of any concerns. Failing septic systems and other pollutants discharged into streams should be reported to the Department of Environmental Quality at 1-(888)-997-7888.
