Dec. 21, 2004

Contact:Bonnie Widerburg (503) 731-4180
Technical contacts:
Ken Kauffman, DHS (503)-731-4012
Ray Campbell, Josephine County HD (541) 474-5325
Steve Schalk, Josephine County Parks Dept. (541) 474-5285

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), in cooperation with Josephine County Health and Parks Departments, is removing the public health advisory at Lake Selmac, in Josephine County.

The advisory has been in place since Sept. 2, when a serious blue-green algae bloom made the water unsafe for drinking or for recreational water contact.

The lake water is safe for recreational uses, and the drinking water provided at the camp facilities and residences is safe for drinking and all other household purposes, said Ken Kauffman, DHS environmental health specialist.

Kauffman said that at its peak, the bloom was very severe. But the seasons cool, cloudy weather, combined with rainfall, have ended the bloom.

Get additional information about blue-green algae or call the contact persons listed above. Local callers may wish to call the Josephine County Health Department or Parks Department.