Algae bloom warning in Willamette from Ross Island Lagoon to Cathedral Park

POTRLAND, Ore. – A health advisory is in effect for the Willamette River after authorities spotted scum in a stretch of water that is popular with boaters, paddlers and swimmers.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found blooms of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, during a visual assessment on Friday.

The area impacted stretches from 100 meters south of the Ross Island Lagoon to Cathedral Park.

DEQ officials recommend staying out of the water until it's lifted.

After several scorching days under a thick blanket of smoke, people like Chris Pierce were hoping to take a dip in the river to cool off.

“I was noticing the algae,” said Pierce. “My experience is that it makes my eyes itch and that's about it."

Pierce kept his head out of the water, but other swimmers took the risk.

Kyle Altman, on the other hand, decided to avoid the water altogether.

“Maybe dip my feet in, stay up on the raft,” said Altman.

He said he’s gotten sick surfing in questionable water on the coast.

“You know, like scratchy throat or sometimes an ear infection," Altman said.

According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA):

People and especially small children and pets should avoid recreating in areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, if a thick mat of blue-green algae is visible in the water, or bright green cells are suspended in the water column. If you observe these signs in the water you are encouraged to avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities.

OHA officials said they plan to post signs Monday.

Signage is not required, however, the OHA is working with other agencies to come up with a plan in case more blooms occur this season.