Toxic Algae Advisory Lifted for Lost Creek Reservoir Near Medford

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Be on the lookout for waters that look suspicious — foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. Only a fraction of Oregon's waterbodies are monitored, so when in doubt, stay out!

Health advisories for toxic algae levels have been issued for the following bodies of water in Oregon:

  • Fern Ridge Reservoir, located approximately 12 miles west of Eugene in Lane County LIFTED 11.14.12
  • The Forest Service is advising visitors to avoid contact with waters from Yellowjacket Lake due to a possible algae bloom. The lake is northwest of Burns, off Forest Road 37. 9.19.12
  • Big Creek Reservoir No. 1, located approximately one mile east of Newport in Lincoln County LIFTED 12.14.12
  • Lost Creek Reservoir, located 30 miles northeast of Medford on the Rogue River LIFTED 1.24.13
  • Willow Creek Reservoir, located in Morrow County, just east of the town of Heppner LIFTED 12.27.12
  • Blue Lake at Blue Lake Regional Park, located three miles northwest of Troutdale in Multnomah County LIFTED 9.14.12
  • Dexter Reservoir, located 20 miles southeast of Eugene on Oregon Highway 58. LIFTED 11.16.12
  • Dorena Reservoir, located six miles east of Cottage Grove in Lane County. LIFTED 10.23.12
  • Walterville Pond, located five miles east of Springfield off Hwy. 126, approximately a half mile from the town of Walterville. LIFTED 8.23.12
  • Jackson Creek near Central Point: LIFTED 7.18.12
  • Umpqua River near Elkton: This area is not under an official advisory, but this area has a history of harmful algae blooms, so pet owners should exercise caution in this area.

Children and pets are particularly susceptible to this toxin

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.

Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, as well as skin contact with water by humans or animals. Drinking water from these bodies of water is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials advise campers and other visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters.

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 these bodies of water while this advisory is in effect.

A hazard for dogs

Dogs have become very sick and even died after swimming in and swallowing water affected by toxic algae. If you find thick, brightly colored foam or scum at a lake, pond or river, don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water.

If your dog goes into the water:

  • Don’t let your pet lick its fur
  • Wash your pet with clean water as soon as possible
  • If your dog has symptoms such as drooling, weakness, vomiting, staggering and convulsions after being in bloom-affected water, call your veterinarian immediately.

For more information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at (971) 673-0400.

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