PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Agency Lake, and extended a recreational use health advisory issued July 1 for the southern portion of Upper Klamath Lake. In addition to covering Howards Bay south to the Link River Dam, the expanded advisory now includes 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 lakes, both of which are located 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, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash. OHA encourages people to visit Agency Lake and Upper Klamath Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.
