E. coli found in Ashland Creek near Lithia Park playground

Levels of E-coli are high enough the city has banned wading in Ashland Creek near the playground in Lithia Park. Ashland.news photo by Holly Dillemuth
August 11, 2023

Swimming, wading, bathing prohibited near Lithia Park playground

Ashland.news staff report

Those planning to dip their toes into Ashland Creek near the Lithia Park playground should make other short term plans.

An elevated level of E. coli has been found in that portion of Ashland Creek, the city of Ashland announced Thursday afternoon, prompting the city to prohibit wading, bathing, or swimming in the creek near the Lithia Park playground. 

Bacteria and parasites are present in every body of water, including creeks, lakes, ponds and rivers.

Those with concerns related to the issue can contact the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission at 541-488-5340 or email the Commission at [email protected].

APRC will continue to evaluate the water quality and will alert the public when they lift the ban on creek use.

More information is available at ashland.or.us/ParksWaterQuality.

Reach Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at [email protected].

Aug. 11 update: Name of the creek corrected.

Picture of Bert Etling

Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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