FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2023

Clarifying Recent Swim Guide Information Regarding Applegate Lake

Following a single sample taken by Rogue Riverkeeper on July 11th at Applegate Lake which did not meet the standard for water contact, Rogue Riverkeeper and the United States Forest Service (USFS) have subsequently sampled Applegate Lake several times at various locations and found the water to meet the standard for water contact. Swimming in lakes and rivers always contains some risk but at this time, there is no reason to consider Applegate Lake unsafe for water contact based on E. coli sampling.

E. coli sampling results from Rogue Riverkeeper are published in Swim Guide, a platform and app that provides basic information about water quality for 8,000 locations all over the world. Rogue Riverkeeper works with partners to sample and share data about E. coli. — a type of bacteria that is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Levels of E. coli are used to indicate fecal contamination which is associated with the possible presence of pathogens that can cause illnesses.

Rogue Riverkeeper shares information via Swim Guide on E. coli analysis at approximately 20 different sites in the Rogue basin. The sampling used for Swim Guide compares the level of bacteria at the sampling sites with the Oregon recreational water quality standard to see if local waterways meet the standard for water contact.

The results posted to Swim Guide only reflect E. coli sampling. Rogue Riverkeeper’s sampling and Swim Guide do not address any other water quality issues. The samples taken are usually a single sample at a single location. Fecal contamination can vary greatly within any water body, thus, any single sample will have E. coli concentrations that can be very different in different locations of the water column in a single water body. There is no requirement for any organization or agency to test surface water for water contact safety, which is why Rogue Riverkeeper voluntarily offers Swim Guide for people to better inform their decisions on where to recreate.

If people have water quality concerns or have issues related to swimming, contacting the manager of the site where they had water contact may be advised. Depending upon location, that could be a city, county, state, or federal land manager. People should always use their own judgment in recreating and seeking medical care if necessary. If you feel you have contracted a waterborne illness please contact the Oregon Health Authority or your county public health department.

Rogue Riverkeeper is a program of the Ashland, OR based nonprofit organization, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center.

Quote: “I encourage people to recreate in the Rogue basin including beautiful places like Applegate Lake, and at locations like Hart-Tish campground and day use area. Using Swim Guide, including its ability to review past results, is one tool for understanding a small aspect of water quality.” Frances Oyung, Rogue Riverkeeper Program Director

Quote: “I encourage people to recreate in the Rogue basin including beautiful places like Applegate Lake, and at locations like Hart-Tish campground and day use area. Using Swim Guide, including its ability to review past results, is one tool for understanding a small aspect of water quality.” Frances Oyung, Rogue Riverkeeper Program Director