News Release

Public Health Advisory Issued for Clear Creek in the Tower House Historic District

View of Clear Creek within the Tower House Historic District.

News Release Date: June 28, 2024 Whiskeytown, CA - To protect public health, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area monitors water quality regularly and collaborates with the Shasta County Environmental Health Division. This monitoring occurs every year from May to September and corresponds to our peak period of visitation. Recent water quality monitoring within the Tower House Historic District has detected elevated levels of E. coli in Clear Creek, posing an increased risk to recreational users of the creek. There have been no reports of illnesses. 

At present, the park is collecting additional information to help county health officials and park managers better determine the level of risk to recreational users of Clear Creek. Because of the increased risk of contracting an illness, the National Park Service advises visitors to avoid contact with the water in Clear Creek within and around the Tower House Historic District, Clear Creek Picnic Area, and Coggins Flat as we continue to monitor water quality in the creek. This does not mean that access to the creek is closed, however the National Park Service is recommending against swimming or other recreational activities in Clear Creek until further notice. 

*** There are currently no health advisories and no concerns with bacteria in Whiskeytown Lake or at any of the park's swim beaches. Water samples are taken regularly at all swim beaches and water quality remains good in these areas. *** 

E. coli is an indicator bacteria used to identify fecal pollution from human, pet, or wildlife waste. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but elevated levels indicate that pathogens could be present and sicken swimmers and other users of the creek. You can help us keep our water clean and safe by abiding by the following:

• Do Not Feed Wildlife. Whiskeytown’s Canada geese will eat unnatural human food if visitors feed them. They also eat park litter and food scraps that are left behind. A single goose can defecate approximately one to three pounds per day, and this pollution can go straight into the lake.
• Dispose of All Food Trash & Scraps in the Brown, Bear-Proof Trash Cans. Please pick up food scraps after picnicking and never leave food unattended.
    
• Shower Before Getting into the Lake or Creek & Put Swim Diapers on Babies & Toddlers. A shower before swimming can help keep the waters clean. Putting swim diapers on babies and toddlers that are not yet “potty trained” can help protect water quality as well.
• Use Restrooms Provided. Going to the bathroom “in Mother Nature” at Whiskeytown can pollute the water. Please only go to the bathroom in official restrooms.

For media inquiries, contact Scott Einberger, Supervisory Interpretive Park Ranger & Public Affairs Specialist, at 530-356-3958 or [e-mail].

Learn more about Whiskeytown National Recreation Area by visiting www.nps.gov/whis.
 
About Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Whiskeytown is one of almost 430 parks within the National Park System. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area was established in 1965 to protect Whiskeytown Lake and surrounding habitat and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the people of the United States. The park protects an immensity of over 1100 different native plant species and preserves historic sites associated with the Wintu People and California Gold Rush. Whiskeytown is visited by around one million people each year. Visitors primarily enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.  For more information, visit the park website or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.