Klamath River Algae Bloom Warning Issued
Officials are warning people to avoid contact with Klamath River water because of dangerous algae blooms.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board said water samples from the Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs just south of the California-Oregon border show high levels of toxic blue-green algae. Mats of algae also have been found as far as 125 miles downstream on the Klamath River below the dams that create the reservoirs.
“This algae produces toxins that pose a significant potential public health concern,” said EPA water division director Alexis Strauss. “We advise people to avoid all direct contact with Klamath River water while the bloom is occurring.”
Ingesting any of the contaminated water can cause serious health effects, including skin rashes and permanent organ impairment, officials warned.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
