News Release USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region

Water-contact recreation restrictions lifted around reservoir; Public still advised to use caution.

June 14, 2002
Contact: Rick Scott (541) 782-2283

Forest Service officials first observed a dense bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae in early June in the Upper Packard Creek arm area of the Hills Creek Reservoir. Water testing confirmed the algae to be a species able to produce toxins. Laboratory tests confirmed relatively high concentrations of the algae in the upper Hills Creek arm area of the Reservoir.

The most recent water testing indicates that algae levels are subsiding.

Oregon Public Health Services recommends the following:

· A general advisory continues for the entire Hills Creek Reservoir. Users should avoid skin contact with water in any areas where high algae concentrations are observed. High concentrations of the observed toxic algae appear as a floating green (or blue to blue-green), colored surface scum (resembling thick pea soup) and can wash up on the shoreline often looking like the shoreline and rocks are painted green. Areas such as these high concentrations should be avoided. Humans, pets, and domestic animals should not ingest (drink) the water.

Symptoms of exposure and/or ingestion to high concentrations of the toxin producing algae by humans could include skin irritation, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, dizziness, and fainting. Pets, livestock or other animals under some circumstances are more likely to ingest a fatal dose.

Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers officials will continue monitoring and sampling the water at sites around the reservoir and keep the public advised of health risks