OHA lifts health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus, says cooldown reduced algae bloom intensity

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority said Friday it has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus in Jefferson County.

OHA issued the advisory on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins (harmful algae) in Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus are below recreational guideline values for people and dogs, the agency said. Additional satellite monitoring confirms a decrease in bloom intensity over the course of the last week, which is attributed to the recent decreases in temperature we have observed in the region.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

The agency also advises to be aware that only a fraction of waterbodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people and especially small children and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.