Recreational Advisory Lifted at Odell Lake in Klamath County but Pets Remain at Risk

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — On Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) lifted a recreational use advisory placed on Odell Lake in Klamath County earlier this month due to the presence of cyanotoxins, but advised that the lake remains unsafe for dogs.

OHA confirmed that toxic cyanotoxins could be present anywhere that blue-green algae grows, or even in clear water.

OHA recommends avoiding swimming and high-speed water activities if the water is foamy, thick like paint, or an odd color, and pets should be kept away from the water if cyanotoxins may be present. Only a fraction of Oregon’s water is monitored for this bacteria.

Further monitoring at Odell Lake earlier this week confirmed that toxin levels are safe for humans to resume water activities. However, the OHA advises that levels are still above the recommended levels for dogs. This toxic bacteria can make pets very sick and could be fatal in minutes.