Rogue Riverkeeper Releases 2019 Water Quality Report Card for Bacteria Pollution in the Rogue

[Medford, OR] Today, Rogue Riverkeeper released the 2019 Water Quality Report Card. The report card highlights the results of the 2019 water quality monitoring season testing for bacteria pollution across 22 sites in the Rogue watershed.

“Testing for bacteria pollution gives us a better picture of the health of the Rogue each summer,” said Sara Mosser with Rogue Riverkeeper. “We can identify problem areas and connect with community members who love the river.”

Every summer from June to September, Rogue Riverkeeper staff and volunteers collect water samples at popular recreation sites to test for the presence of E. coli bacteria and determine whether the samples meet the state water quality standard for bacteria. The information is uploaded onto The Swim Guide site each week, providing a timely resource for up-to-date information about water quality throughout the summer.

The results of the 2019 water quality monitoring season reveal that many of the sites consistently met the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s bacteria water quality standard. Waterways that tested high for levels of bacteria contamination included Little Butte Creek through Eagle Point, Bear Creek and Baby Bear Creek at Bear Creek Park, and Wagner Creen in Talent. Possible sources of bacteria pollution include urban development, polluted runoff, and irrigation return flows.

This year’s report card highlights water quality monitoring in Bear Creek, including two new sites Rogue Riverkeeper added this year. As part of a coordinated effort, Rogue Riverkeeper is joining forces with groups focused on water quality, riparian restoration, homeless and at-risk populations, fire reduction, recreation, and economic development to address the complex issues facing the Bear Creek watershed. More information on Rogue Riverkeeper’s Bear Creek Initiative campaign can be found at www.rogueriverkeeper.org/bear-creek-initiative. Support Bear Creek by joining Rogue Riverkeeper at a local event celebrating this unique waterway (www.rogueriverkeeper.org/calendar).

###