Talk about bad timing. Just as Jefferson County families head to the lake for the first full week of summer vacation, the Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for Lake Billy Chinook due to the presence of cyanotoxins — toxic bacteria commonly mistaken for algae — in portions of the reservoir.
The advisory, issued June 12, covers the Crooked River arm around the Cove Palisades Day Use Area, where the water has turned a vivid bright green. OHA is urging people to avoid swimming, water skiing, or any activity that could cause them to swallow water or inhale spray.
The Risk: Most Dangerous for Kids and Pets
"The risk is not the same for everybody," said Gabriela Goldfarb with the Oregon Health Authority. "We are most worried about the most vulnerable because the kids that have large exposures are more at risk of severe impacts, especially bad diarrhea. Gastrointestinal issues can really be endangering for a small child."
Families visiting the lake this week are taking the warning seriously. Alison Linka, who planned a boating trip for the week, said her group is keeping the dog out of the water and making sure kids stay hydrated without drinking from the lake.
"The biggest thing is not letting the dog go into the water. She'll just stay out, unfortunately," Linka said. "And then making sure the kids aren't drinking the water."
Local Businesses Frustrated by Recurring Advisories
For local boat rental operators and tourism businesses around Lake Billy Chinook, this is becoming an unwelcome annual pattern. Business owners told the Bulletin that recreational advisories cause visitors to cancel reservations, forcing layoffs that ripple outward to campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants throughout the county.
OHA scientist Stuart Dyer, who grew up swimming in the lake, acknowledged the green water is nothing new — but said the science around it has changed dramatically.
"It has always been like shag carpet. I used to play creature from the Black Lagoon, coming up through the green soup out there. It's not new," Dyer said. "The science is new and its emerging, and we are taking the most recent toxicology to try and be protective of public health."
What You CAN Still Do at the Lake
OHA is not closing Lake Billy Chinook. The agency encourages visitors to enjoy:
- Fishing
- Camping and hiking
- Biking and picnicking
- Bird watching
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Boating at slow speeds (high-speed wakes can create water spray that carries cyanotoxins)
Swimming and any activity likely to cause ingestion of water or inhalation of spray should be avoided until the advisory is lifted.
How to Check Current Status
The OHA maintains an up-to-date map of active recreational advisories at oregon.gov/oha under Healthy Environments. Advisories are updated as conditions change. Residents and visitors should check before heading to the lake, as summer heat can cause rapid changes in bloom intensity.
Cyanobacteria blooms have been appearing on Lake Billy Chinook since at least 2023, becoming a recurring summer challenge for Jefferson County tourism and recreation.