Algae health alert lifted for Lake Billy Chinook

The Oregon Health Authority said Friday it has lifted the health advisory issued July 1 and extended July 8 for the Metolius and Crooked River arms of Lake Billy Chinook 12 miles west of Madras in Jefferson County.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of blue-green algae toxins are below guideline values for human exposure, officials said.

However, the Oregon Health Authority recommended that people continue to be cautious with their pets in the lake because toxins are still above the very low exposure levels established for dogs.

Oregon health officials advise recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of algae blooms in Oregon waters, because only a fraction of the many lakes in Oregon are monitored for blue-green algae by state and federal agencies.

People and their pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, 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 1-877-290-6767 or visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/HarmfulAlgaeBlooms/Pages/index.aspx and select “Algae Bloom Advisories.”