Blue Lake Regional Park

An aerial view of Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview, south of the Columbia River.

(Metro)

UPDATE: Blue Lake health advisory lifted, officials say

Authorities have shut down swimming, wading and fishing in a Fairview lake after a blue-green algae bloom was spotted in the water.

State health officials issued a health advisory Wednesday for Blue Lake, which is just south of the Columbia River. And Metro, which manages the lake, is keeping it closed for such activities until the advisory is lifted, the Oregon Health Authority said in a news release.

"Other parts of the park, including the picnic areas, shelters, water spray ground and paddle boat rentals, remain open and available," Metro said on its website.

People can still partake in low-speed boating and birdwatching at the lake, health officials said, but should avoid ingesting lake water. They reminded people that they could ingest lake water while swimming or participating in high-speed boating and water sports.

People shouldn't drink directly from the lake, as doing so "is especially dangerous since any toxins produced cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters," according to health officials.

The algae bloom hasn't affected any public drinking or potable water, health officials said. Anyone who uses lake water for drinking or cooking should find a different water source.

Officials will analyze an algae bloom sample and expect to determine by the middle of next week whether the advisory can be lifted or if it needs to remain until the bloom is gone. That will hinge on "the level of toxins found in the sample," health officials said.

They said exposure to some toxins caused by algae blooms can cause symptoms similar to those of food poisoning: cramps, diarrhea, fainting, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Other toxins, they said, can cause dizziness, numbness and tingling that can result in difficulty breathing or heart problems.

"Contact with cells from a bloom can cause skin irritation and a red, puffy rash in individuals with skin sensitivities or those who develop rashes easily," health officials said.

Children and pets stand a higher risk of exposure, according to health officials.

The officials said said people who want to report an illness or are looking for more information about algae blooms can call the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0400.

People who have questions about Blue Lake Regional Park and the lake closure can call Metro parks and nature officials at 503-665-4995, extension 0.

The Oregon Public Health Division tracks algae bloom advisories on its website.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015