Popular Oregon hot springs reopens after E. coli scare

ROSEBURG, Ore. – A popular hot springs in southern Oregon have reopened after high levels of E. coli were found in September, forcing a closure.

The News-Review reported that the Umpqua Hot Springs will be available to visitors from sunup to sundown.

Federal forest officials revealed in September that high amounts of human waste had caused of bloom of E. coli prompting a closure until June 30, 2016, or until the bacterial levels dropped to safe levels.

In a statement Wednesday, the forest service said police have issued more and more tickets in the past three years to people nearby for illegal drug use, domestic violence, campfire violations, cutting down trees and more, which in addition to the bacteria prompted the new time restrictions at the springs.