Due in part to the mild winter and the warm spring and summer in the northwest, the toxic blue green algae season has started early this year.  There are several lakes and rivers in Oregon and Washington that are already reporting unhealthy levels of algal toxins or fecal bacteria. This includes Lake Washington near Kenmore, Bay Lake and Anderson Lake in Washington as well as Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir, South Umpqua River and Detroit Reservoir in Oregon.

Be alert for the presence of blue green algae and watch for posted warnings and closures. The Oregon and Washington Departments of Health maintain useful websites with up to date water testing information.