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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 16, 2005 Marcela Shafsky, 6, of San Jose, Calif., and Haley Land-Miller, 9, of Oakland, Calif., were disappointed to find on a recent visit that they couldn�t wade in Lithia Park�s Ashland Creek due to contamination. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Bacteria levels high in area waters Jackson County residents should avoid at least 12 local creeks that have unsafe bacteria levels that could cause illness or infection. Greg Stabach, project manager with the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, said other creeks that aren’t part of the annual creek safety watch also should be regarded warily by residents. "Use common sense anytime you’re in water," he said. "Don’t drink, don’t ingest, don’t go in with open wounds." Routine testing of waterways such as Bear Creek or Ashland Creek has found that they have exceeded state bacteria standards for swimming or wading activities. Specifically, health inspectors have found high levels of E. coli, a fecal bacteria that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or flu-like symptoms. Young children should be carefully supervised in water to avoid mouthing or swallowing water. Advertisement E. coli levels typically increase in hot summer months because stream flows decrease and water temperatures rise. The bacteria come from animal and human waste, leaking septic systems and illegal discharge from portable toilets or recreational vehicles. Also, any other discharge of fecal matter in area creeks or through storm drains can contribute to high bacteria levels. Don Robertson, director of Ashland Parks and Recreation Department, said warning signs for Ashland Creek were posted about three weeks ago, which he believed to be about two weeks earlier than average. Despite the warnings, people still swim or wade into the creek. "Nobody will be shot, hung or imprisoned if they go in the water," Robertson said. "There are considerably fewer people in the water. But some people make choices and go in the water." The warnings are usually lifted after the first rains in the fall, he said. To avoid contributing to the bacteria problem in local waterways, health officials urge residents and visitors to pick up after pets, not dumping any animal waste near creeks and putting infants in swim diapers. For more information, visit www.rvcog.org and click on the natural resources department. To report failing septic systems, call Jackson County Roads, Parks and Planning at 774-6900. Health questions should be directed to Gary Stevens at Jackson County Health and Human Services, 774-8206. For other questions regarding the testing of creeks, call RVCOG at 664-6676. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Online Casino Advertisement s