Algae Blooms Detected in Diamond and Lemolo Lakes

Weekly monitoring of Diamond and Lemolo Lakes on the Umpqua National Forest has detected an increase in algae blooms. Low to moderate levels of algae are present throughout both Diamond and Lemolo Lakes. The locations with the highest concentrations of algae include the Poole Creek and East Lemolo boat launches on Lemolo Lake, and South Shore boat launch and Day Use Area on Diamond Lake. South Shore is also experiencing an increase of elodea, or water weeds, that can be problematic for boaters. Thielsen View boat launch currently has low levels of algae and water weed and would be a good alternative to using the South Shore boat launch. We want to remind the public to avoid water contact with algae blooms to protect themselves and their pets. Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are found in water bodies throughout the world. An algal bloom is a rapid and massive buildup of algae cells that impart a green, milky white, or blue color to water. Under some conditions, particularly when winds are calm, some species produce a surface scum on the water. Conditions that favor development of blooms include warm sunny days and nutrient-rich water. Only certain species of blue-green algae produce toxins, and even many of those species do not always produce toxins. The only way to know if a bloom is toxic is with specialized laboratory tests. Testing this summer has not detected toxins above public health advisory levels, but conditions can change rapidly so lake users should continue to use caution when algae blooms are present. The most important way to protect yourself and your family from the health risks associated with toxic blue-green algae during a bloom is to avoid contact with the water. Activities near the water, such as camping, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, etc., are safe. Staying out of harm’s way is simple: if you see an algal bloom, don’t drink the water. Please remember, filtering or boiling does not make the water safe to drink. Don’t get it on your skin and keep your children and animals away from the water. For more information, please visit the Oregon Health Authority website: https://www.oregon.gov/.../HarmfulAlgaeB.../Pages/index.aspx To learn more about blue-green algae and for answers to commonly asked questions you can visit our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices Pictures show examples of algae bloom conditions to watch for. If you see conditions like the above, please avoid contact with the water. VIA U.S. Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest