Health Warning Lifted for Detroit Lake East of Salem

DHS advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert of signs of algae blooms.

Photo: sos.state.or.us

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Detroit Lake Reservoir, located 60 miles from Salem, was lifted late Tuesday by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Marion County Environmental Health, and the Willamette National Forest.

The advisory went into effect on May 30th.

Water sampling by the Willamette NF has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, said Ken Kauffman, Environmental Health Specialist with the Oregon DHS.

These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.

DHS advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert of signs of algal blooms.

People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.