BEND, OREGON — A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Wickiup Reservoir, 40 miles southwest of Bend in the Cascade Mountains, was lifted today by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Deschutes County Health Department. The advisory went into effect Sept. 2.
Water monitoring has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.
DHS advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies always to be alert to signs of algae blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.
For local information contact the Deschutes National Forest at 541-383-5300 or www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/.
