Blue-Green Algae Information

The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae. Learn to tell the difference here.

Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, are not algae but a primitive single celled bacterium found naturally in fresh and saltwater. Under certain conditions, they multiply into a large visible mass called a "bloom." These blooms can be associated with toxins and can cause harm to humans and animals.

For more information on blue-green algae please go to the Oregon Health Authority website.