Oregon Coast Water Advisories: One Lifted, One New Warning

Published 08/01/2013

(Oregon Coast) – Great news for surfers and beachgoers who love one particular spot on the Oregon coast, but not so good for a central coast lake popular for recreation. (Above: Short Sand Beach)

Oregon officials have issued a health advisory for Devil's Lake in Lincoln City due to algal blooms. The water advisory on the north Oregon coast at Short Sands Beach – near Manzanita – has been lifted, however.

Blue-green algae has been found in Devil's Lake by the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance (HABS) program, which is part of the Oregon Public Health Division.

HABS officials said the cyanotoxin concentrations found in the water can be harmful to humans and animals. Swallowing or inhaling water droplets should be avoided, and people with skin sensitivities or who are prone to rashes and other skin disorders should avoid water contact.

Drinking water directly from Devil’s Lake is especially dangerous. Oregon Public Health officials warn campers and other Devil’s Lake visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters.

Residents who draw in-home water directly from the lake are also advised to find other sources. This does not affect the general drinking water supply of Lincoln City.

Exposure to toxins can produce symptoms of numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems, and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, fainting and skin irritation should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity.

Manzanita

Eating fish from water systems where algae blooms are present will require extra precautions, such as removing all fat, skin and organs before cooking, as toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues.

For local lake information, contact the Devil’s Lake Water Improvement District at 541-994-5330. For drinking water information, contact your local drinking water treatment facility.

Meanwhile, up on the north Oregon coast, the advisory for Short Sand was lifted today after Oregon Health Authority issued it on July 26. Water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria.

While the risk has subsided, health officials still recommend avoiding large pools of water and runoff because these are areas where increased bacteria from fecal matter can build up.

Short Sand is a major attraction on the Oregon coast, sitting between Cannon Beach and Manzanita.

More about both Lincoln City and the Manzanita area below:

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted