Local Agency Issues Creek Safety Watch for Jackson County Waterways
The Natural Resources Department of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments has issued a Creek Safety Watch for two waterways in Jackson County.
According to RV-COG, Jackson Creek from Jacksonville to Dean Creek Road in Central Point and Bear Creek from Lithia & Driveway Fields in south Medford has exceeded state bacteria standards for contact recreation including swimming and wading.
Residents are asked to use caution when in contact with any waterways and to avoid ingestion which may cause illness and contact with open wounds which may cause infection. Very young children should be fully supervised when playing in the water to avoid swallowing the water.
Possible causes of high levels of bacteria in the creeks include livestock and pet 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.
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 or online at "deq.state.or.us/complaints."
If you are unsure of whom to call or have questions regarding which creeks are tested, please call RV-COG's Amie Siedlecki at (541)-423-1371 or Greg Stabach at (541)-423-1370.
Posted on 6/6/25 6:37AM by Sam Marsh
