PORTLAND, Ore. — As warmer weather approaches, state agencies are warning Oregonians to be cautious around lakes, rivers and reservoirs as toxic cyanobacteria bloom season begins across the state.
The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality this week launched their annual freshwater monitoring program to track harmful cyanobacteria blooms, commonly known as blue-green algae blooms. Officials say rising temperatures and changing water conditions can quickly create ideal environments for blooms to form.
Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring bacteria found in freshwater around the world. While many blooms are harmless, some produce dangerous toxins that can cause illness in people and animals.
“When temperatures rise, many people head to their favorite water bodies to cool off, but those higher temperatures can also promote toxic cyanobacteria growth,” said Linda Novitski, Ph.D., recreational waters specialist with OHA’s Public Health Division. “Our goal is to inform people about the risks of exposure when recreating and reduce cases of illness due to cyanoHABs.”
Health officials say exposure most commonly occurs when contaminated water is swallowed during swimming or when water droplets are inhaled during activities such as wakeboarding or water-skiing.
Symptoms linked to cyanotoxin exposure can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, numbness, dizziness and fainting. People with sensitive skin may also develop rashes after contact with contaminated water.
Children, pets and livestock are considered especially vulnerable due to their size and increased likelihood of direct exposure. Dogs can become critically ill within minutes to hours after drinking contaminated water, licking algae from their fur or consuming algae mats along shorelines.
Veterinarians urge pet owners to seek immediate medical care if animals show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, trouble walking or loss of appetite after water exposure.
Throughout the summer, DEQ staff and local partners will collect water samples from popular recreational areas, locations with a history of blooms, and areas where visible algae is reported. Samples are tested in laboratories, and OHA determines whether public health advisories are necessary.
Officials caution that only a small number of Oregon’s freshwater bodies are regularly monitored, making personal vigilance critical.
OHA recommends avoiding water that appears foamy, scummy, thick like green paint or contains brownish-red mats. People are also advised to stay away from algae washed up along shorelines.
However, officials note that some toxic blooms may not be visible from the surface, especially blooms growing near the bottoms of rivers and lakes.
Despite the risks, many recreational activities remain safe in affected areas when direct contact with contaminated water is avoided. Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking and bird watching are generally considered safe. Low-spray boating, kayaking and fishing may also continue safely with proper precautions.
Fish caught in affected waters can still be eaten if cleaned thoroughly with clean water and if the skin, fat and organs are removed before consumption.
State officials continue to emphasize a simple safety message for the public: “When in doubt, stay out.”
Residents can check current algae bloom advisories through OHA’s Harmful Algae Bloom monitoring system or call the agency’s toll-free information line at 877-290-6767. For health concerns or to report illness related to algae exposure, people can contact OHA at 971-673-0440.
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