You are safe to return to the water at Cannon Beach.

The Oregon Health Authority lifted a health advisory Thursday that warned visitors to avoid swimming, splashing or ingesting the water at Cannon Beach.

Nye and Agate beaches are still under advisories.

The advisory was imposed Wednesday when water samples showed a high level of fecal bacteria in the water. Likely, the bacteria came from pets, birds, stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and any other animals that might poop near the ocean.

Even though the health advisory for Cannon Beach is lifted, state officials still recommend that visitors avoid pools that form on the beach where birds might leave droppings.

The sand and shore of all the beaches are safe for all other recreational activities.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com

503-294-5923

@MollyHarbarger