BEND, Ore. — Oregon is one of several states without a routine water testing program, leaving many bodies of water unmonitored for harmful algae blooms.
The Bulletin reports a handful of the state’s lakes are shut down each summer because of harmful algae blooms. The blooms, sometimes called blue-green algae, are caused by toxin-producing bacteria and often form a green paint-like scum on the surface of the water. It can cause health problems for humans and can kill livestock and pets.
Most blooms are only a minor inconvenience, but environmental authorities are concerned that climate change and runoff are increasing the frequency and severity of harmful algae blooms and putting people and animals at greater risk.
Algae expert Dr. Wayne Carmichael says the blooms will get worse unless people address water quality.
