Advisory issued July 1 now covers all of Upper Klamath Lake – PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has extended a recreational use health advisory issued July 1 for Shoalwater Bay on Upper Klamath Lake Thursday to include all of Upper Klamath Lake. The expanded advisory is due to the presence of cyanobacteria blooms and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure in all sampled areas of the lake in Klamath County. People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water-skiing or power-boating, in areas of the lake where blooms exist, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, if you have skin sensitivities, you may get a puffy red rash. You are encouraged to visit Upper Klamath Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.
