Small Town News

Algae Alerts: Avoid Getting "Slimed" in Oregon Lakes

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A dangerous side effect of this year's hot Oregon weather is blue-green algae in lakes. There are thousands of types of algae, but only about a dozen can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pets who swim in or ingest the lake water. The state Department of Human Services has issued health alerts at 13 lakes and reservoirs this summer, even warning against driving a boat fast enough to spray water.

Laura Boswell, the department's Harmful Bloom Surveillance program coordinator, manages the algae surveillance program, and describes what to avoid.

"What we recommend is, if you see scummy water, discolored water or foamy water - or anywhere that looks like a bright color of any sort, almost like paint has been spilled in the water - to really avoid those areas, and not to swim in those waters."

Boswell says the effects of exposure to blue-green algae show up within a day and symptoms can last about a week, so checking in with a doctor is smart.

"The toxins can cause skin rashes. If you drink the water or inhale the water droplets, you can get nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Those effects can even lead to liver failure or death, so we consider the algae a public health concern."

She said people who live near lakes can minimize algae problems by keeping lawn chemicals and other waste out of the lake water, as well as keeping septic tanks in good repair.

Boswell said the Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers have done a good job of testing water samples and reporting blue-green algae outbreaks this year. And the hazard is not over when the weather cools down; the algae season lasts through the fall.

The list of algae alerts is online at www.oregon.gov.



Copyright 2009 Hells Canyon Journal, Halfway, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Hells Canyon Journal Halfway, Oregon. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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