Stay On Alert!
At TEP, we keep a close watch on the levels of bacteria in our county’s waterways, including E. coli in our freshwater rivers and streams, and enterococcus in our beautiful saltwater beaches. Elevated levels of these bacteria can potentially pose health risks to those who recreate in these spaces.
This map provides you with current information on bacteria levels, updated every two weeks thanks to our dedicated Volunteer Water Quality Program. If you’re interested in regional bacteria reports or need information outside of Tillamook County, you can also check the Oregon Health Authority or the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality websites for valuable resources.
Should You Be Concerned?
If alert levels are above normal consider refraining from water-based activities such as:
- Fishing and Shellfish Harvesting
- Paddle-craft (e.g., kayaking, SUPs)
- Swimming
- Any other forms of water contact recreation
Your safety is our priority, and staying informed about water quality is key to ensuring an enjoyable and risk-free experience.
Bacteria Map
*All data is sent to ODEQ (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality) for reporting and analysis.
Alert Levels
The water quality is great for recreational activities! The level of waterborne germs is below the state standard, and you are unlikely to get sick when enjoying the area.
It’s pretty good, but you should be careful. There are more germs in the water than usual (above the 90-day mean limit), but there are still less than the single sample state standard for recreational activities. Be aware that there may be a greater chance of getting sick from water-borne pathogens when recreating in this area.
Yikes, it’s a no-go zone for now. The number of germs in the sample exceeds the single sample state standard for recreational activities. This means there is a higher risk of getting sick from water-borne pathogens. It’s best to avoid recreating in the area to keep from getting sick!
This project is done in partnership with the Nestucca, Neskowin & Sand Lake Watersheds Council.
The Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program, which began in 1997, relies on local volunteers to collect water samples to measure bacteria levels. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our volunteer form.
