Health Advisory Issued for Odell Lake After Cyanotoxins Detected
Visitors should avoid swimming and other activities that could lead to swallowing or inhaling water where algae blooms are present.
Advisory Details
Location: Odell Lake in Klamath County
Advisory issued: July 28, 2026
Reason: Cyanotoxins detected above Oregon’s recreational use value
Avoid: Swimming and activities that create a high risk of swallowing water or breathing water spray near blooms
Still allowed: Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking and fishing with precautions
Drinking water: Do not drink water from affected areas of the lake
Pets: Keep dogs away from the water, algae mats and dried material along the shore
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — Oregon health officials issued a recreational use advisory for Odell Lake on July 28 after water samples found cyanotoxins above levels considered safe for recreation.
A health precaution had already been in place since July 24 because of a visible harmful algae bloom at the Klamath County lake.
Discolored Water: Green discoloration is visible in the water at Odell Lake as cyanotoxins were detected above Oregon’s recreational use value. Courtesy: Oregon Health Authority
The Oregon Health Authority said people should avoid swimming and other activities that could cause them to swallow lake water or breathe in water droplets in areas where blooms are present.
Cyanotoxins are not absorbed through the skin, but people with sensitive skin may develop a puffy, red rash.
Children and pets face a higher risk because they are more likely to swallow water while playing.
OHA said boating is considered safe as long as speeds do not create heavy spray. Canoeing and kayaking may also continue, but visitors should avoid visible bloom areas and limit contact with the water.
Water taken directly from an affected part of the lake should not be used for drinking or cooking. Boiling, filtering or treating the water with camping-style filters will not remove the toxins.
People using water supplied by a campground should contact campground management or the local health department with questions.
Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. More serious symptoms may include numbness, tingling, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
Dogs can become seriously ill or die within minutes or hours after drinking contaminated water, licking it from their fur or eating algae material along the shoreline. Warning signs may include difficulty walking, seizures, low energy and loss of appetite. Anyone who believes a dog was exposed should seek veterinary care immediately.
OHA also recommends avoiding fish caught in areas where blooms are present. Anyone who chooses to eat the fish should remove the skin, fat and organs before cooking or freezing and rinse the fillets with clean water.
Advisory Map: The Oregon Cyanobacteria Harmful Algae Bloom Recreational Advisories map shows current advisories, precautions and recent sampling results across the state. Courtesy: Oregon Health Authority
People can report a possible illness or request health information by calling OHA at 971-673-0482.
Cover Image: A harmful algae bloom collects along the shoreline at Odell Lake, where health officials have issued a recreational use advisory. Courtesy: Oregon Health Authority
