Oregon Department of Human Services

US Forest Service

Health Advisory

Public Health Advisory Lifted For Detroit Lake Reservoir

Contacts

• DHS Technical Contact: Ken Kauffman (971) 673-0435
• DHS Media Contact: Tom Towslee (971) 673-0396
• Media Contact: Judith McHugh, Willamette National Forest 541.225.6305

June 13, 2007

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Detroit Lake Reservoir, located 60 miles from Salem, was lifted today by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Marion County Environmental Health, and the Willamette National Forest.

The advisory went into effect on May 30, 2007.

Water sampling by the Willamette NF has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, said Ken Kauffman, Environmental Health Specialist with the Oregon DHS.

These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

DHS advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert of signs of algal blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.

For local information contact the Willamette National Forest (503.854.3366) or on the web at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/.

For health information, contact Ken Kauffman, DHS Environmental Health Specialist (971.673.0435) or http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml.