Story Published: Aug 24, 2010 at 1:45 PM PDT

Toxic algae in Siltcoos Lake in 2007.

Oregon health officials issued warnings for high levels of toxic algae in the South Umpqua River and the Jackson County Whetstone Pond.

The toxic algae can be harmful to humans and has killed dogs.

Blue-green algae blooms in bodies of water around Oregon every summer, leading the state to issue health advisories warning people to stay out of the water. 

The algae can produce harmful toxins that can make people and animals sick, even causing deaths. 

Dogs died after drinking the toxins in Elk Creek near the Umpqua River last summer.

Warnings are posted when a bloom is found, but not all bodies of water in Oregon are monitored regularly.

Instead, state and federal agencies focus on developed recreational spots.

So if your fishing hole or swimming spot is off the beaten path, inspect the water before you get in. if it’s scummy, is blue-green, peasoup green, yellowish or brown in color, there’s likely an algae bloom.

Press releases from Oregon Public Health:

High algae levels found in Douglas County South Umpqua River

A health advisory prompted by concern for high algae levels in the South Umpqua River, Lawson Bar off Interstate 5 Exit 102 near Canyonville, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Douglas County Health Department officials.

Water testing for the presence of blue-green algae is underway following the death of a pet dog in the area and visual observation of algae scum. Such tests will show if toxin concentrations are present at levels that can be harmful to humans and animals. 

Public health officials advise that swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Umpqua River near Lawson Bar is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other visitors to the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping style filters. 

People who draw in-home water directly from the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. however, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. if people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention.  Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.  

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit the Umpqua River near Lawson Bar and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Jerry Meyer at the Douglas County Health Department at 541-440-3578.

High algae levels found in Jackson County Whetstone Pond

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Whetstone Pond in the Denman Wildlife Area, located six miles north of Central Point, was issued today by Oregon Public Health and Jackson County Health Department officials.

Water monitoring has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. These algae levels are likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals.

Drinking water from Whetstone Pond is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Whetstone Pond visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters. 

People who draw in-home water directly from Whetstone Pond are advised to use an alternative water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective in removing algae toxins. however, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. if people on public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

Oregon Public Health recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where algae blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

Additionally, public health officials advise that people should not eat crayfish or freshwater shellfish harvested from Whetstone Pond while this advisory is in effect.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention.  Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen.  Children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The public will be advised when the concern no longer exists.  

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to visit Whetstone Pond and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.

For local information, contact Dan Van Dyke or Clayton Barber at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 541-826-8774.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at 971-673-0400 or healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767.