October 17, 2019 3:20 a.m.
On Wednesday the Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use health advisory for North Tenmile Lake in Coos County.
The OHA release said the advisory is due to a harmful algae bloom and toxins which are above recreational guidelines values for human exposure.
The release said people should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are identified. Although toxins are not absorbed through the skin, people who have skin sensibilities may experience a puffy red rash.
The release said people are encouraged to visit North Tenmile Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking and bird watching. Boating is safe as longs as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk.
Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters.
Go to: https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/PH/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/HarmfulAlgaeBlooms/pages/index.aspx for more information.