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DHS Environmental Toxicology Program
Department of Human Services

Blue-green Algae Advisories

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  Current advisories 

  When are advisories issued? 

  Why are advisories issued? 

  How long do advisories last?

  All advisories 

  Additional resources 

 

Current Advisories

 

Lost Creek Reservior Advisory Issued September 16, 2008

Wickup Reservior  Advisory Issued September 11, 2008

Willow Creek Reservior Advisory Issued September 10, 2008

Lemolo Lake Advisory LIFTED August August 27, 2008

Dorena Reservoir Advisory Issued August 22, 2008

Odell Lake Advisory LIFTED August 22, 2008

Willow Creek Reservoir Advisory LIFTED August 20, 2008

Devil's Lake Advisory Issued August 14, 2008

Odell Lake Advisory Issued August 7, 2008

 

 

 



When are advisories issued?

 

The Department of Human Services Public Health office of Environmental Toxicology evaluates bluegreen algae test data to determine whether algal blooms present hazards to animals or human beings. DHS does not have resources to collect or test algae samples, but DHS often receives reports of testing done by private contractors, researchers or other government agencies.

Why are advisories issued?

 

Algal blooms are common in surface waters throughout Oregon, and generally blooms contain many species of algae. Most algaes are harmless, but there are several species of bluegreen algae (also known as cyanobacteria) that may produce toxins that are potentially harmful. In Oregon the primary algaes of concern are Microcystis and Anabaena. Others may be identified in the future.

Advisories are issued by DHS when cell counts exceed certain limits or when potentially harmful toxin levels are found. Toxins in water may be absorbed by humans when swallowed, and when inhaled as droplets or spray in the air. Pets and domestic animals are at risk as well as human beings.

Advisories may include warnings against ingesting water, swimming or bathing, or inhaling water droplets. Advisories may also include information about treating water to reduce or eliminate toxins.

How long do advisories last?

 

Dangerous algal blooms may develop and disappear within a matter of days, or they may continue for weeks or months. The longest advisory period for any waterbody in Oregon to date began in early June and lasted into late November. The intensity of the bloom and the concentrations of toxin in a waterbody are not uniform. Often the algaes are most dense around the edges of the waterbody, but wind or water currents may change the location of affected areas very quickly.

Usually a dangerous bloom is associated with a distinct bluegreen color and cloudiness in the water. Algal blooms often produce large floating masses of green, yellow or bluish green slime. Visibly affected water should be avoided whether or not there is an official advisory in place.

Additional Resources

 

All Advisories

 

Blue Lake
E. Multnomah County
September 2003 Bloom documented: no advisory.
Cougar Reservoir
McKenzie Bridge, Lane County
September 2002 USFS Notification: No advisory provided.
Crane Prairie Reservoir
SW of Bend, Deschutes County
July 22, 2005 Public health advisory LIFTED for Crane Prairie Reservoir.
June 24, 2005 Public health advisory issued for Crane Prairie Reservoir.
September 2004 Algae advisory LIFTED for Crane Prairie Reservoir.
July 2004 USFS Report: High levels of Anabaena flos-aquae: Found by Deschutes National Forest.
July-Aug 2003 High levels of Anabaena flos-aquae: Found by private consulting firm. No advisory, late report.

Detroit Lake Reservoir

60 miles from Salem
June 13, 2007 Blue-green algae advisory LIFTED for Detroit Lake Reservoir.
May 30, 2007

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in several locations on Detroit Lake. Attention: Free Fishing Event CANCELLED.

Technical contact Rick Sherman, Supervising Sanitarian, Marion County Env Health 503-588-5621
Devil's Lake
Lincoln City
August 14, 2008 Public health advisory issued for Devil's Lake.
September 18, 2007 The Cyanobacteria Bloom in Devils Lake has subsided, and it has been two weeks since visible scum has been washing ashore at any of the 6 monitoring sites. The public should use its best judgment when using Devils Lake or any surface water for recreation as cyanobacteria can repopulate quickly, but with cooler temperatures, clearer water and low densities lake wide, that has become increasing less likely. Based on these observations and facts lifting of the CAUTION posted by the Devils Lake Water Improvement District is warranted
August 13, 2007 (pdf) Visible bluegreen algae bloom: No cell counts or toxin assays reported.
July 1995 Visible bluegreen algae bloom: No cell counts or toxin assays reported.
Dexter Reservoir
Lane County
August 2002 USFS Report: Elevated levels of Anabaena in water source, City of Lowell, reported too late for advisory.
Diamond Lake
North of Crater Lake National Park, Douglas County
November 16, 2006 Public health advisory LIFTED for Diamond Lake.
October 5, 2006 Public health advisory issued for Diamond Lake.
July 16, 2004 Elevated levels of Anabaena flos-aquae detected. No Health Advisory issued.
August 12, 2003 USFS Report: Diamond Lake reopens to swimming, wading and waterskiing.
July 3, 2003 USFS Report: Diamond Lake Open to Boating and Fishing but Closed to Water-skiing, Swimming and Wading.
June 30, 2003 USFS Report: Water Quality Concerns Prohibit Water Contact at Diamond Lake.
July 22, 2002 USFS Report: Water Quality Concerns Prohibit Water Contact at Diamond Lake.
August 10, 2001 USFS Report: Algae bloom in Diamond Lake.
Dorena Reservoir
Lane County
August 22, 2008 (pdf) Health advisory issued for high algae levels
Eel Lake
Coos County
September 27, 2002 One report of high Microcystis cell count.: No advisory issued, late report.
Fish Lake
Jackson County
Sept 30, 2002 One report of excessive Anabaena: No advisory issued, single sample, late report.
Hills Creek Reservoir
40 miles SE of Eugene, Lane County
July 16, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Hills Creek Reservoir.
May 15, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for Hills Creek Reservoir.
June 6, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Hills Creek Reservoir.
May 11, 2007 Public health advisory issued for Hills Creek Reservoir.
June 22, 2006 Public health advisory LIFTED for Hills Creek Reservoir.
June 2, 2006 Public health advisory issued for Hills Creek Reservoir.
September 26, 2005 Public health advisory LIFTED for Larison Cove, Packard arm, and eastern-most arm.
August 19, 2005 Public health advisory issued for eastern-most arm.
July 21, 2005 Public health advisory issued for Packard arm.
June 24, 2005 Public health advisory issued for Larison Cove (Canoe Area).
August 15, 2002 USFS Report: Larison Cove closed for water contact activities. A general advisory for Upper Packard Arm remains in effect.
June 14, 2002 USFS Report: Water-contact recreation restrictions lifted around reservoir; Public still advised to use caution.
June 6, 2002 USFS Report: Toxic algal blooms found in packard creek arm of hills creek reservoir.
Hyatt Lake
Jackson County
September 19, 2006 Public Health Advisory LIFTED for Hyatt Lake.
September 12, 2006 Public Health Advisory issued for Hyatt Lake.
Lake Oswego
Clackamas County
1998, 2001 Significant algal blooms documented in 1998 and 2001. No advisories issued
Lake Selmac
Josephine County
December 21, 2004 Advisory LIFTED at Lake Selmac.
September 3, 2004 New restrictions on public water uses at Lake Selmac.
August 19, 2004 Public advisory: Algae toxins at Lake Selmac.

Laurelhurst Park Pond

Portland, Mulnomah County
January 1, 2007 Health advisory signs posted by the City of Portland Parks and Recreation.
May 5, 2006 Microcystis bloom detected. Health advisory signs posted by City of Portland Parks and Recreation.
Lava Lake
SW of Bend, Deschutes County
July 16, 2004 Health Advisory LIFTED.
June, 2004 High levels of Anabaena flos-aquae: Found by Deschutes National Forest. Health Advisory issued.

Lemolo Lake

Douglas County
August 27, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Lemolo Lake.
July 10, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for Lemolo Lake.
August 20, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Lemolo Lake.
June 26, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for Lemolo Lake.
October 13, 2006 Public health advisory LIFTED for Lemolo Lake.
September 26, 2006 Public health advisory issued for Lemolo Lake.
August 2, 2006 Public health advisory LIFTED for Lemolo Lake.
July 12, 2006 Public health advisory issued for Lemolo Lake.
Lookout Reservoir
Lane County
September 26, 2005 Public health advisory LIFTED for Goodman Creek Arm at Lookout Point Reservoir.
September 14, 2005 Public health advisory LIFTED for Hampton public boat ramp and campground at Lookout Reservoir.
August 22, 2005 Public health advisory issued for Hampton public boat ramp and campground at Lookout Reservoir.
July 13, 2005 Public health advisory issued for Goodman Creek at Lookout Reservoir.

Lost Creek Lake
 25 miles northeast of Medford
September 16, 2008 Public health advisory issued for Lost Creek Reservior
July 10, 2007 A public health advisory was LIFTED by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today for Lost Creek Lake.
June 12, 2007 A public health advisory was issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today for Lost Creek Lake.
July 19, 2006 Public health advisory LIFTED for Lost Creek Lake.
June 24, 2006 Public health advisory issued for Lost Creek Lake.
Mercer Lake
Five miles north of Florence
March 6, 2003 Mercer Lake health advisory LIFTED.
October 30, 2002 Potential recreational hazard at Mercer Lake.

Odell Lake
Klamath County
August 22, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Odell Lake.
August 7, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for Odell Lake.
August 13, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Odell Lake.
July 25, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for Odell Lake.
August 4, 2005 Public health advisory LIFTED for Eastern Half of Odell Lake.
July 19, 2005 Public health advisory issued for Eastern Half of Odell Lake.
August 16, 2004 Health advisory LIFTED at Odell Lake.
July 29, 2004 High levels of Anabaena flos-aquae (especially in East Odell Lake): Found by Deschutes National Forest.
Paulina Lake
Deschutes County
September 1, 2006 Health advisory LIFTED for Paulina Lake.
August 21, 2006 Health advisory issued for Paulina Lake due to the presence of elevated Anabaena flos aquae.
September 17, 2004 Health advisory LIFTED at Paulina Lake
September 3, 2004 Severe blue-green algae bloom at Paulina Lake in Newberry Crater south of Bend.
July 2003 High counts of Microcystis and Anabaena: No advisory, late report.
Ross Island Lagoon
Willamette River in Portland
September 8, 2003 Algae bloom in Ross Island lagoon is not harmful to health.
Siltcoos Lake
National Dunes Recreation Area
November 9, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Siltcoos Lake
September 18, 2007 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for Siltcoos Lake
Suttle Lake
Jefferson County
July 16, 2004 Health advisory LIFTED.
June 2004 High levels of Anabaena flos-aquae: Found by Deschutes National Forest. Health Advisory issued.
Tenmile Lakes
10 miles north of Coos Bay
March 11, 2004 Algae Toxin Advisory LIFTED for Ten Mile Lake.
July 6, 2002 Potential recreational and drinking water hazard in Tenmile Lakes.
August 31, 2001 Potential hazard due to Microcystis aeruginosa in Tenmile Lakes.
December 1, 1997 Ten Mile Lake Health Advisory LIFTED.
October 3, 1997 Ten Mile Lake Health Advisory.
Tualatin River
Eastern Washington County and Western Clackamas County
July 25, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for the Tualatin River.
July 12, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory issued for the Tualatin River.
Wickiup Reservoir
Deschutes County
September 11, 2008 (pdf) Public Health advisory Issued for Wickiup Reservoir.
September 24, 2004 Public health advisory LIFTED for Wickiup Reservoir.
September 10, 2004 Public health advisory issued for Wickiup Reservoir.
Willow Creek Reservoir
Morrow County
September 10, 2008 (pdf) Public Health Advisory Issued for Willow Creek Reservior
August 20, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory LIFTED for Willow Creek Reservoir.
July 2, 2008 (pdf) Public health advisory Issue for Willow Creek Reservoir.
October 31, 2007 Public health advisory LIFTED for Willow Creek Reservoir.
August 17, 2007 Public health advisory issued for Willow Creek Reservoir.
August 3, 2007 Public health advisory LIFTED for Willow Creek Reservoir.
June 22, 2007 Public health advisory issued for Willow Creek Reservoir.
October 31, 2006 Public health advisory LIFTED for Willow Creek Reservoir.
September 13, 2006 Public health advisory issued for Willow Creek Reservoir.
   
   
 
Page updated: September 16, 2008

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