photo credit: Greta Mart
Stillwater Cove is one of the beaches where swimmers are still warned
away from going into the water until test results are back.

Three coastal beaches in Sonoma County were cleared for public use Friday, days after heavy rains led to a raw sewage spill into the Russian River.

Water tests from Doran, Campbell Cove and Salmon Creek beaches all came back within acceptable ranges and those beaches are now safe to visit, according to the Sonoma County Environmental Health department.

People are still being told to stay out of the water at Gualala, Black Point, Stillwater and Goat Rock beaches until more test results come back, which could happen as soon as Monday.

Beaches on the Russian River downstream from the Russian River County Sanitation District treatment plant spill in Guerneville are still off-limits, as well, according to health officials. The plant on Neeley Road was overwhelmed during heavy rains Tuesday night.

Beach-goers are still being told to wash ocean and river water off of themselves, children and pets after being in the water, as is recommended even when the water is considered safe.

"Winter storms typically stir up a variety of bacterial contaminants, so getting into the habit of rinsing off is a good practice," said the county's interim health officer, Dr. Michael Stacey.

For updates about the spill and water conditions people can visit www.sonomawater.org/rrcsd-spill.