The Oregon Health Authority has lifted a recreational use advisory issued for Fern Ridge Reservoir in Lane County.
Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins are at safe recreational values. But, officials advise visitors to be alert to signs of algae blooms, which can develop and disappear on any water body at any time under favorable conditions.
People, especially small children and pets, should avoid recreating in areas where water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green cells are suspended in the water.
More info from OHA:
If you see these signs avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities.
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.
