Algae alert lifted for area of Lake Billy Chinook

The Oregon Health Authority announced Friday it has lifted the health advisory updated July 17 for Perry South Cove, located on the southern end of the Metolius Arm of Lake Billy Chinook.

Lake Billy Chinook is located about 12 miles west of Madras in Jefferson County.

Officials said water monitoring has confirmed that the level of blue-green algae and the toxins they produce are below OHA guideline values for both people and dogs.

However, officials also advised recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of algae blooms in all Oregon waters, because blooms can develop and disappear throughout the season.

Only a fraction of the many lakes and waterways in Oregon are monitored for blue-green algae by state, federal and local agencies. Therefore, you are your own best advocate when it comes to keeping you, your family and your pets safe, the agency said.

People, and especially small children and pets, should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish-red, if a thick mat of blue-green algae is visible in the water, or bright green cells are suspended in the water column.

If you observe these signs in the water, you are encouraged to avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities.

For health information, to report human or pet illnesses due to blooms, or to ask questions about a news release, contact the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0400. For information about advisories issued or lifted for the season, contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 or visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://healthoregon.org/hab and select “Algae Bloom Advisories.”