News Release
| Release Number: | 06-085 |
| Dated: | 6/24/2006 |
| Contact: | Matt Rabe, 503-808-4510 |
County issues warning
Portland, Ore. – Tests conducted this week have confirmed the presence of a toxic form of blue-green algae in Lost Creek Lake, near Medford, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today.
Corps officials have notified county and state health officials of the results. Jackson County Environmental Health has issued a public health advisory. The algae were confirmed to be Anabaena flos-aquae.
The lake and surrounding recreation areas remain open to the public, and boat- and land-based recreation should not be impacted. The Corps, however, recommends that visitors to the lake avoid contact with the water in the following areas: Takelma Park, Stewart State Park, Catfish Cove and Lewis Road shoreline access areas.
Corps park rangers identified a bloom of blue-green algae earlier in the week and took samples for testing. The test was conducted by an aquatic analysis laboratory. While the samples were being analyzed, rangers posted warnings around the lake advising the public of the potential risks and ways to avoid contact with the algae.
When the toxins are present they can be absorbed if affected water is swallowed, through prolonged contact with the skin or when inhaled as droplets or spray in the air. Usually, a dangerous bloom is associated with a distinct blue-green or pea green color and cloudiness in the water.
Blue-green algae are plants that occur naturally in lakes due to warm water collecting in calm, nutrient enriched areas, such as coves. Algal blooms are rapid buildups of algae that are often found near the shore due to wind and waves, and are visible as masses of green, yellow or bluish-green slime. Lost Creek Lake typically has mild algal blooms in the early to mid-summer months.
Water containing visible algae blooms should be avoided. Do not use the water for swimming, cleaning, cooking or drinking, and do not let your pets drink or access the water. Other activities near the water such as camping, hiking and biking are safe.
For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/, or contact them at (971) 673-0429. For local conditions call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Rogue River Basin Office at (541) 878-2255.