The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory on Friday, June 12, for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of cyanotoxins at levels above safe recreational use values. Swimmers, water skiers, and anyone participating in activities that involve swallowing water or inhaling water droplets should stay out of affected areas of the lake until the advisory is lifted.

What Is Allowed — and What Is Not

OHA says boating is considered safe as long as vessel speeds are kept low enough to avoid excessive water spray. High-speed activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing in bloom-affected areas are strongly discouraged.

"Toxins are not absorbed through the skin," OHA noted in its press release. "However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash."

Danger to Pets Is Real and Immediate

Health officials are urging pet owners to keep dogs on leashes and away from the water. Dogs can become severely ill — or die — within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking lake water, licking their fur, or eating dried crusts of algae along the shoreline.

  • Symptoms in dogs include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite
  • Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog shows any symptoms after lake contact
  • Keep dogs leashed and away from any shoreline algae mats

Drinking Water Warning

Drinking water directly from bloom-affected areas of the lake is especially dangerous. OHA warns that cyanotoxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering, or treating with standard camping-style filters. People drawing in-home water from the lake are advised to use an alternative source for drinking and cooking until the advisory is lifted.

Fishing Precautions

OHA recommends that people not eat fish caught from areas with active blooms. If you do choose to eat fish, remove fat, skin, and organs before cooking, and rinse fillets with clean water.

Symptoms to Watch For

Human exposure to cyanotoxins can cause symptoms ranging from stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting to more severe reactions including numbness, tingling, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Seek medical attention for serious symptoms.

Lake Billy Chinook, located on the Jefferson-Deschutes county border and formed by the Pelton Round Butte Dam complex, is a popular summer recreation destination for Central Oregon families. This advisory comes at the beginning of peak summer season.

OHA monitors water bodies across Oregon throughout the summer recreation season. To report an illness related to algae exposure, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.