High Bacteria Levels in Ashland Creek Prompts Advisory

As of Thu, Aug 25, high bacteria levels at the wading area of Ashland Creek near the children’s playground in Lithia Park – It is advised that you not get in the water (The Swim Reservoir in Lithia Park is safe to swim in).

Ashland Creek meanders through Lithia Park. Water quality in Ashland Creek varies, due to many factors in the watershed. The City of Ashland monitors E. coli levels weekly, May through October. City officials share these results by changing the status of the water samples, which is either GREEN or RED.

E. coli is a bacteria found naturally in the digestive tracts of humans and many other animals. Not all E. coli cause disease; however, high E. coli counts can also be an indicator of other pathogens. Water that exceeds the State’s E. coli standards should not be ingested, and you are strongly urged to stay out of the creek. The city share these results by changing the color of the sign. Signs are posted at the children’s playground and at the Swim Reservoir in Lithia Park (both locations are along Ashland Creek).