News Release
| Release Number: | 07-095 |
| Dated: | 8/3/2007 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – The algae advisory for Willow Creek Reservoir has been lifted, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.
Recent water sampling confirms reduced levels of a species of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. The advisory was issued in June due to high levels of a toxic species of algae in the reservoir. State guidelines recommend waiting two weeks after algal cell counts fall below state-specified levels before lifting advisories related to algae blooms.
The Oregon Department of Human Services advises people who recreate in Oregon reservoirs to always be alert for 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 Dalles, John Day, Willow Creek Project at
(541) 506-7802. For health information, contact DHS environmental health specialists, Ken Kauffman at (971) 673-0435, or Deanna Conners at (971) 673-0444. Additional information on blue-green algae can be found on the DHS Web site at http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml.