Oregon Public Health Division Blue-green Algae Advisory

CORRECTION

A health advisory was issued Monday, August 13 for "Dexter" Reservoir, not Dorena. The advisory for Dorena Reservoir is still in place.

 

A health advisory was issued today due to visible scum observed on Dexter Reservoir in Lane County. A water sample was taken to determine the species and cell count of the blue-green algae present which could be associated with harmful cyanotoxin concentrations. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water. The HABS program is funded through September 2013 by a grant from the CDC.

To learn more about the HABS program, health advisories and blue-green algae, and to stay up-to-date on all current health advisories, visit us at: http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

Press Release:

 August 13, 2012

Media contact: Kathleen Vidoloff; 971-246-9139; Kathleen.G.Vidoloff@state.or.us
Technical questions: David Farrer; 971-673-0971; David.G.Farrer@state.or.us    

Health advisory issued for Dexter Reservoir
High algae levels found at Dexter Reservoir in Lane County

A health advisory is being issued today based on visual observation of scum on Dexter Reservoir, located 20 miles Southeast of Eugene on Oregon Highway 58. Water monitoring is under way to determine whether blue-green algae cells present might produce cyanotoxins harmful to humans and animals.

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

Drinking water from Dexter Reservoir is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other Dexter Reservoir 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 Dexter Reservoir 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 health officials recommend 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 freshwater clams from Dexter Reservoir. Crayfish muscle can be eaten, but internal organs and liquid fat should be discarded.

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 Dexter Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, 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 Julie Whaen, Oregon State Parks at 541-937-1173 or email julie.whalen@state.or.us.

For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance (HABS) program at 971-673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Lane County Health Department at 541-682-3636.

The HABS program maintains a current list of all health advisories on its Website. To find out if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit www.healthoregon.org/hab and click on “Check current water conditions.”

The Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program is funded through September 2013 by a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.