Oregon Health Officials Warn Swimmers After Gower Creek Sewage Spill Hits Cannon Beach

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued an alert for Cannon Beach at Gower Creek on Monday, warning that a sewage spill could increase the risk of exposure to fecal bacteria.

Oregon Beach Monitors Raise Alarm On Gower Creek Sewage Spill Into Cannon Beach

OHA issued the alert as a precaution after Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) staff noted the sewage spill, but the agency does not yet have test results confirming the presence of bacteria in the Gower Creek outfall, where it spills into Cannon Beach.

The risk to human health had not yet been determined. The city reported that it has cleaned up the spill and is taking samples for fecal bacteria testing to confirm the clean-up was successful.

The formal beach advisory was issued due to a potential health risk posed by sewage, and the OBMP encouraged visitors to the Gower Creek area of Cannon Beach to take precautions. Warning signs were posted in the affected areas of Cannon Beach, and the City of Cannon Beach has issued communications via Facebook and its local listserv.

Despite OHA’s alert, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, walking, etc.) on this beach as they pose no health risk. If you visit, avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, and steer clear of discolored water and water runoff flowing into the ocean.

For more information, visit healthoregon.org/beach (or call 971-673-0440), or contact the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.