Tests show falling levels of algae toxins.
Byline: The Register-GuardThe blue-green algae that can release harmful toxins into Deschutes National Forest lakes significantly decreased in tests of lake waters done this week, officials said Friday.
As a result, advisories posted at Odell Lake southeast of Oakridge have been eased.
Last week's advisory included a recommendation to avoid boating on the east side of the lake because of concerns about human contact with the water.
That recommendation has been dropped.
New advisories were posted Thursday that recommend people avoid swimming, wading, water skiing and other water contact in the lake.
Swallowing or inhaling droplets of water from the lake also should be avoided, state Department of Human Services toxicologists said.
Officials aren't concerned about people eating fish caught in Cascade lakes because the algae toxins haven't been found to accumulate in fish in harmful amounts at the present algae levels.
Crane Prairie Reservoir's blue-green algae levels also have dropped, but advisories are still in effect there that also recommend avoiding activities involving contact with the water.
There have been no advisories warning against boating or eating fish caught from that reservoir.
Department of Human Services toxicologists recommend the advisories remain in place until water samples test negative for toxins, or indicate for two weeks that algae counts are below World Health Organization guidelines.
Suttle and Lava Lakes have both tested below the threshold levels.
Toxins are often highest near the end of an algae bloom when they are released from decomposing cells, the scientists said.
Deschutes National Forest scientists began taking water samples from Cascade lakes June 15 as a precaution to determine blue-green algae population densities.
Algae densities naturally dissipate as summer ends.
For current alert levels on Deschutes forest lakes, go to www.fs.fed.us/r6centraloregon/water-fish/water/bluegreen/current-levels.shtml.
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| Title Annotation: | Environment; An advisory to avoid boating on the east side of Odell Lake is dropped |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) |
| Date: | Jul 31, 2004 |
| Words: | 297 |
| Previous Article: | FOR THE RECORD. |
| Next Article: | BRIEFLY. |