PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) at Oregon Health Authority invites the Oregon community to comment on a list of proposed beaches to monitor for health risks in 2026 and 2027.

OBMP is a multi-agency effort between OHA and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to monitor the marine waters along Oregon’s coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria, and to report elevated levels to the public.

Criteria evaluated for each beach are: high recreational use, history of nearby pollution hazards, previously measured high bacteria levels and public input.

Currently, the DEQ tests samples of marine water and fresh water from 24 beaches along the 360 miles of Oregon coastline. To protect the health of the public, OHA keeps the public updated when water is unsafe.

OBMP will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2026/2027 selection of beaches and sampling locations through October 31, 2025.
You can submit your opinions and comment through this link.

Based on OBMP’s current evaluation criteria, OHA and DEQ propose sampling the following beaches for the 2026/2027 monitoring season:

Clatsop CountySEASIDE BEACH* – Seaside
CANNON BEACH – Cannon BeachTOLOVANA SP BEACH – Cannon BeachCoos CountyBASTENDORFF BEACH – Coos BaySUNSET BAY SP BEACH – Coos BayCurry CountyHUBBARD CREEK BEACH – Port OrfordHARRIS BEACH SP – BrookingsMILL BEACH – BrookingsCRISSEY FIELD STATE RECREATION SITE* – BrookingsLane CountyHECETA BEACH – FlorenceLincoln CountyD RIVER SP BEACH* – Lincoln CityBEVERLY BEACH – NewportAGATE SP BEACH – NewportNYE BEACH – NewportSEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal RockSILETZ BAY* – Lincoln CityONA BEACH – Beaver Creek State Natural Area, Brian Booth State ParkTillamook CountySHORT SAND BEACH – Arch CapeMANZANITA BEACH – ManzanitaROCKAWAY BEACH* – RockawayTWIN ROCKS BEACH* – Twin RocksOCEANSIDE* – OceansideCAPE KIWANDA* – Pacific CityNESKOWIN BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE* – Neskowin

Note: Beaches marked with an asterisk refer to those have more exposure to high bacterial levels. To add new beaches to the list above, DEQ would need to reduce sampling locations at other beaches. If locations are removed from the list, it would have to be locations where past data shows low risk.

For more information about OBMP, visit the program website or call 971-673-0440. To reach the OHA information line, call toll-free at 877-290-6767.