OPRD release – The historic drinking water tub at Tub Springs Wayside about 20 miles southeast of Ashland is closed due to water quality concerns. The wayside remains open. The Oregon Health Authority ordered the historic tubs closed to the public due to high turbidity, which can make drinking water unsafe for consumption. The wayside is located along Green Springs Highway 66. Jackson County currently operates the wayside through an intergovernmental agreement with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. County officials shared the following statement on their website earlier this week: “For unknown reasons, most likely associated with recent heavy rain events, the water produced by the springs does not meet state water quality parameters. We are currently in consultation with Oregon Health Authority and the Jackson County Health Department to evaluate the next steps and will share that information as we learn more. Thank you for your patience and understanding, as we work to protect public health associated with this drinking water supply.” The tubs will remain closed to the public until further notice at the direction of the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services Program. Oregon State Parks, the Oregon Health Authority and Jackson County are working together to further evaluate the situation. For more information contact Steve Lambert, Jackson County Roads and Parks director at (541) 774-6238.
