Is the Deschutes River too green?

The deep green shade of the Deschutes River of late has raised concerns among some over the water quality.

“I’m certainly seeing the turbidity is up,” hydrologist Joe Eilers with MaxDept Aquatics said Friday. “The color of the river has a green cast, so I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if blue-green algae was present.”

A resident’s question to NewsChannel 21 prompted us to contact the Oregon Health Authority , which issues health advisories for high concentrations of algae blooms for waterways around the state. It has not posted an advisory for the Deschutes River at this point, but officials also say: When in doubt, stay out.

For example, certain types of blue-green algae can be potentially fatal for dogs.

“I have dogs, and when I see conditions like this, I usually keep them away from the source,” Eilers said.

NewsChannel 21 also contacted the state Department of Environmental Quality in Bend. They said they were unaware of the issue and are looking into it and would have more details next week.

“Certainly, climate change can affect the frequency and intensity that we’re seeing the blue-green algae,” Eilers said.