Oak Creek flows through a scenic canyon along Highway 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona. It is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, hiking, camping and other forms of recreation. The creek is an important tributary to the Verde River, which feeds into the Salt River itself, providing water to millions of people living in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. Oak Creek is one of the few perennial streams in Arizona’s high desert region and provides a vital resource to people and wildlife.

In its 2006/2008 Clean Water Act 305(b) Assessment Report, ADEQ listed Oak Creek as impaired for exceeding the Escherichia coliform (E. coli) water quality standard for Full-body Contact. This water quality standard is in place to protect swimmers and waders from potentially harmful levels of E. coli. Previous studies identified recreational users, septic systems, wildlife and domesticated animals as potential sources of fecal E. coli contamination. 

E. coli naturally occurs in the intestinal tracts of many warm-blooded animals and people. There are many types of E. coli and some strains are harmless. However, certain strains can cause health concerns ranging from severe anemia and kidney failure to stomach cramps and diarrhea. For this reason, ADEQ is engaging many partners to help alleviate sources of E. coli contamination in Oak Creek.

Watershed Improvement Projects

ADEQ is implementing a series of on-the-ground projects, along public outreach and education efforts, to reduce E. coli contamination and improve more than 50 miles of impaired stream reaches in Oak Creek. Key projects include:

• Closure and rehabilitation of 440 informal user-created social trails leading from Highway 89A to Oak Creek, which previously caused soil disturbances and erosion, bringing E. coli into the creek
• Installing barriers to reduce unpermitted roadside parking along Highway 89A to manage visitor capacity, minimize social trail use, reduce littering and improve visitor safety
• Building a pedestrian barrier fence at Slide Rock State Park to improve visitor safety, prevent unpermitted visitation and reduce potential impacts on water quality due to crowds
• Installing and maintaining more than 35 pet waste stations at trailheads, campgrounds, and day-use areas to encourage cleaning up after pets and keep dog waste out of the creek
• Supporting litter cleanup events, which have removed thousands of pounds of trash — including diapers and human/pet waste — that could otherwise attract wildlife and introduce more bacteria into the watershed
• Partnering with the Leave No Trace organization to launch a print and social media outreach education campaign that encourages visitors to make responsible choices that reduce or alleviate their impact while enjoying recreation along the creek and nearby trails

Project Partners:

These efforts are made possible through partnerships with:

• U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest | View >
• Arizona State Parks & Trails | View >
• Arizona Department of Transportation | View >
• National Forest Foundation | View >
• Oak Creek Watershed Council | View >
• Conservation Legacy | View >
• Arizona Conservation Corps | View >
• Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps | View >
• American Conservation Experience | Coming Soon!

Get Involved

Follow these tips to help preserve and protect Oak Creek and prevent E. coli contamination:

• Protect Our Waters: Always pack out trash and follow ADEQ’s healthy beach habits | Learn More >
• Leave No Trace: When you visit Oak Creek, practice the seven principles | Learn More >

Learn More

• 2010 Total Maximum Daily Loads for E. coli in Oak Creek and Spring Creek | Coming Soon! 
• 2012 Watershed Improvement Plan for Oak Creek | View >