Clean Water Services works with USGS to study toxicity of blue-green algae bloom on Tualatin River

Hillsboro, OR — July 10, 2008 — U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) alerted Clean Water Services on Wednesday that a blue-green algae bloom was observed near Cook Park in Tigard and Jurgens Park in Tualatin during water quality testing on the Tualatin. Some species of blue-green algae that were observed in the Tualatin River may produce harmful toxins dangerous to humans and pets.

USGS is currently running toxicity tests on the algae to determine if this is the species that produces toxins. USGS expects results on Friday. In the meantime, Clean Water Services is increasing releases of water from Hagg Lake to help cool the river and control algae growth. 

If test results show that this algae produces toxins, USGS will coordinate with the Oregon Department of Health Services (DHS) on any health advisories. 
 
Large growths of blue-green algae, when they are accompanied by the presence of algal toxins, can be hazardous to humans and pets when those humans or pets come into contact with the water that contains the algae. The Oregon Department of Human Services (Public Health) suggests that if you see a bloom, it is best to stay out of the water and to keep pets away. If you do contact the water, wash thoroughly with a clean source of water. Do not use the affected water for drinking or cooking because toxins cannot be removed with filtration, boiling or chemical treatments. However, activities near the water such as camping, picnicking, biking, and hiking are safe. You can learn more at www.oregon.gov/DHS.

Blooms can occur anytime of the year, but are most common between June and September. Warm, calm water and nutrients contribute to the rapid growth of algae.

Clean Water Services is the water resources management utility for more than 500,000 people in urban Washington County and small portions of Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Lake Oswego, and Portland. Clean Water Services operates four wastewater treatment plants, constructs and maintains flood management and water quality projects and manages flow in the Tualatin River to improve water quality and protect fish habitat. Although Clean Water Services maintains a close working relationship with Washington County government, it is a separately managed and financed public utility.

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