Blue-green algae detected in Lemolo Lake
Herald and News
Klamath Falls, Oregon
June 26, 2007
By ADAM PEARSON
Note: Lemolo Lake is 30 minutes north of Crater Lake.
LEMOLO LAKE — A health advisory was issued today for Lemolo
Lake, about 60 miles east of Roseburg, because high levels of
blue-green algae have been detected.
The Umpqua National Forest confirmed the presence of blue-green
algae, which can produce toxins in water that are harmful to
humans and animals.
Drinking water from Lemolo Lake is especially dangerous, the
advisory says, and skin contact with it or the accidental
inhalation of water droplets should also be avoided.
The toxins cannot be removed from the water by boiling it,
filtering it or treating it.
The Oregon Department of Human Services advises the removal of
all fat, skin and organs from fish from Lemolo Lake before
eating. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.
Children and pets, DHS says, are particularly susceptible to
toxins. Symptoms of intoxication can include numbness, tingling
and dizziness. Intoxication can also lead to breathing
difficulty or heart problems, which require immediate medical
attention.
A notice will be given when blue-green algae levels at the lake
no longer exist.
Blue-green algae was first detected at Lemolo Lake last summer.
John Tudor, a Lemolo Lake Resort employee, said it’s not a
surprise that blue-green algae returned this early in the
summer, with the recent mild winter and early arrival of spring.
“You can see when the water’s calm there’s a green color,” he
said.
Visitors to Lemolo Lake are encouraged to enjoy other activities
such as camping, hiking, biking and bird watching.
Lemolo Lake is situated high in the Cascades, just over 4,000
feet in elevation, and only 10 miles from Diamond Lake and 30
miles from Crater Lake National Park.
