Temperature: 45F / 7C

Lake Level: 9.35 ft / 2.8 m

E. coli

Cyanobacteria

Lake Level

Temperature

The Devils Lake Water Improvement District is embarking on its fourth year of the CYANO-WATCH program.  A three pronged approach, the Cyano-Watch program is designed to educate about (GREEN), caution (YELLOW) or restrict (RED) the use of Devils Lake as warranted during the three phases of the program. This program has been developed based on Oregon DHS: Public Health Advisory Guidance for Toxigenic Cyanobacteria in Recreational Waters.  Visit Oregon's Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance website for more information. The season when cyanobacteria flourish is generally July - September, so lake users should be aware of precautions to be taken when bloom conditions exist.   Always watch and stay clear of cyanoblooms or scummy water, keeping both children and pets safe.

Cyanobacteria Recreational Water Quality Standards

Parameter Value Regulatory Agency Total Microcystin less than 8 ppb Oregon DHS Cells / ml < 40,000 Microcystis or Planktothrix Oregon DHS Cells / ml < 100,000 All Potentially Toxigenic Taxa Oregon DHS Cells / ml < 20,000 All Potentially Toxigenic Taxa World Health Organization Cells / ml < 20,000 All Potentially Toxigenic Taxa World Health Organization Scum Formation No Toxigenic Species present Oregon DHS

Current & Recent Updates:

2009-09-16: After two-weeks of improved water quality, The Devils Lake Water Improvement District is lifting the Red Health Advisory issued July 31, 2009. For two weeks cyanobacteria have been rapidly in decline. Additionally, toxicity monitoring conducted 1 week ago for the toxin microcystin all proved to be below Oregon's Recreational threshold of 8ppb. In line with Oregon DHS: Public Health Advisory Guidance for Toxigenic Cyanobacteria in Recreational Waters, an additional 1 week waiting period has been observed. This was done to account for the potential of other toxins (such as anatoxin) which are not analyzed to similarly dissipate. While a cyanobacteria bloom may return, at this time the advisory is being lifted. Please note that this concludes the Cyano-Watch monitoring for the season, or until further notice.

2009-09-09: Water Quality Improved, advisory to be completely lifted in one week if trend continues.   
The Devils Lake Water Improvement District tested 6 shoreline and 6 mid lake sample sites today and analyzed all the samples for Microcystin, a known liver toxin.  Toxicity values at all sample sites were below Oregon’s Recreational Standard of 8ppb.  Water quality can change rapidly, so always look before you leap, keeping both children and pets safe.  Even during a bloom as we have seen in the last six weeks, Oregon DHS encourages people to visit Devils Lake enjoying activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, catch-and-release fishing and bird watching as long as precautions against water contact are observed. Boating is also deemed safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray, which could lead to inhalation risk. DHS recommends that people who choose to eat fish from waters where cyanobacteria blooms are present should remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, because toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Never use the lake water for drinking or cooking as toxins present are not destroyed by such heat. 

2009-08-19: RED HEALTH ADVISORY for Devils Lake remains in effect :  The Devils Lake Water Improvement District tested 6 shoreline and 6 mid lake sample sites today and analyzed all the samples for Microcystin, a known liver toxin.  Toxicity values continue to exceed or nearly exceed Oregon’s Recreational Standard of 8ppb at many sample sites. Both mid-lake and shoreline samples sites are affected. Water contact continues to not be advised at these sites and is cautioned lake wide. 

Again, visually the lake is much clearer, however the types of cyanobacteria dominant today (Microcystis and Anabaena) are much smaller, and yet more toxic than the previously dominant and easily visible cyanobacteria (Gloeotrichia).  Nearly all sample sites had some level of toxin present, and thus a Yellow Caution is being issued lake wide.  Always use caution when recreating on or in Devils Lake, insuring not to let children or pets ingest the water. Next sampling date tentatively scheduled for Wednesday September 2, 2009.   

2009-08-05:RED HEALTH ADVISORY for Devils Lake:  The Devils Lake Water Improvement District tested 6 shoreline and 6 mid lake sample sites today and analyzed all the samples for Microcystin, a known liver toxin.  Two of the shoreline sample sites and two of the mid lake sample sites recorded values in excess of Oregon’s Recreational Standard of 8ppb.  Water contact is not advised at these sites and is cautioned lake wide. 

Visually the lake is much clearer, however the type of cyanobacteria dominant today (Microcystis) is much smaller, and yet more toxic than the previously dominant and easily visible cyanobacteria (Gloeotrichia).  Nearly all sample sites had some level of toxin present, and thus a Yellow Caution is being issued lake wide.  Always use caution when recreating on or in Devils Lake, insuring not to let children or pets ingest the water. Next sampling date tentatively scheduled for Wednesday August 20, 2009.   

2009 - 07 -31: RED HEALTH ADVISORY for Lake Sample Site 5: A visual survey of the lake was conducted today at all 12 shoreline and mid lake sample sites. Lake Sample Site 5, (East of Sand Point and Loop Drive) was completely inundated with toxigenic cyanobacteria. Heavy scum was evident in large swaths throughout the sample area, with high densities of the organisms also seen throughout the approximate 11.5 acres around the sample site. In line with Oregon DHS: Public Health Advisory Guidance for Toxigenic Cyanobacteria in Recreational Waters such presence of toxigenic scum warrants a Red Health Advisory. Water contact in this area of the lake or in any other area where scum is present is not advised. Keep children and pets away from such areas. All other sample sites were moderate to low density. However, caution is warranted as currents and winds can quickly transform bloom conditions into previously lesser affected areas. Next sample date is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2009.

2009 -07 -23: Devils Lake was sampled at 12 sites; six shoreline and six broad lake samples were taken. All samples contained potentially toxigenic cyanobacteria with many samples registering some level of toxicity, but none being above the alert level. This contrasts to two weeks ago when only 1 of the 12 samples was found to contain microcystin. Of all the sample sites shoreline sample sites were the highest. It is noted that tests were only run to check for the presence for Microcystin, one of the many cyanotoxins cyanobacteria can produce. However the dominant cyanobacteria in the water, currently Gloeotrichia echinulata, are at this time only known to be a producer of microcystin. This may change with other cyanobacteria becoming more dominant as the season progresses.

2009 - 07 - 15: Visual inspections of the near shore samples sites were conducted this week with evidence of cyanobacteria scum of significant volumes only materializing at Regatta Grounds. Thus the water quality throughout the lake had likely not changed significantly from the previous week. Toxicity testing is expensive and time consuming, and as a result was not conducted in line with the District's Cyano-Watch program. Next potential sampling date is scheduled for Wednesday July 22, 2009 with posting generally available online by 6 pm.

2009 - 07 - 09: Devils Lake was sampled at 12 sites today for cyanotoxin analysis. Samples were taken at six shoreline sample sites and at six lake sites. At each location nine (9) sub-surface grab samples were taken and composite into one sample per site for analysis. For shoreline sample sites the nine sub-samples were generally taken from three transects running away from the shoreline in ankle deep water, knee deep water and waist deep water. These nine sub-samples were then mixed into the one composite sample for the site. Sites included the D River, Devils Lake State Campground, Regatta Grounds, Holmes Road Park, Sand Point, and East Devils Lake State Park. For the six lake sites, nine (9) sub-surface grabs were composite from around the District's boat at each of the specific sample sites. These six samples generally run the midline of the lake and include sites up in the NW finger by Blue Heron Landing, in the NE finger across from B'Nai B'Rith Summer Camp, and in the East thumb near the Sand Point Canal and Thompson Creek. The Deepest Point in the lake is a site east of the Hospital Point and south of the Sand Point swimming area.

Results: Heavy scum from toxigenic cyanobacteria was found at one site --- REGATTA GROUNDS (See table below). All other sites were significantly less affected, but all had a visible, distinguishable presence of the same potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Toxicity analysis confirmed the presence of the cyanotoxin Microcystin at Regatta Grounds at a concentration of 6.16 parts per billion (ppb). Oregon's recreational water use limit for this toxin is 8 ppb (See other table below). No other cyanotoxins were tested. Microcystin is one of the most commonly seen cyanotoxins globally, and thus toxicity testing supplies are readily available while other toxins such as Anatoxin must be tested at sophisticated and expensive labs. All of the other shoreline sample sites were below the analytical limit of detections which was for this analysis 0.30 ppb. Likewise all the samples taken from the middle of the lake were also below the limit of detection (>0.30 ppb). All of these data are subject to change. Cyanobacteria are living organisms which act very much like algae. They reproduce quickly with the sun and warm water, and are mostly at the control of the wind and currents for their distribution. Thus the density of cyanobacteria can change quickly as winds pick up or the sun shines stronger which coincide greatly with the toxicity of the water. As this information is only a snapshot of the lake, it is always best to look before you leap when recreating in or around Devils Lake. The Devils Lake Water Improvement District will regularly test these sample sites through the rest of the summer. The next sample date is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Analytical results are usually available and posted on the web site by 6 pm that same day.

2009 - 07 - 01: Devils Lake is experiencing a bloom of potentially toxigenic cyanobacteria. While densities of the blooms have yet to be determined, it is prudent to make individuals aware of the increased risk associated with Cyanobacteria. Please review the GREEN Cyanobacteria Informational sheet linked here from our web site, as well as the YELLOW Caution signs being put up around the watershed today. Since yesterday, the blooms have become increasingly noticeable particularly at Regatta Grounds and East Devils Lake State Park.

Most Recent Cyanobacteria Results

Date	Sample Site	Microcystin (ppb)	Cell Counts/Density
2009-09-02	D River	= 0.60	No Scum - Low Density
	Campground	= 3.60	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Regatta Grounds	= 2.96	No Scum - Moderate Density
	Holmes Road Park	> 10.00	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Sand Point	= 2.48	No Scum - Low Density
	East D.L. State Park	= 2.98	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Mid Lake	= 2.86	Moderate Scum - Moderate Density
	NE Arm	= 4.26	No Scum - Low Density
	NW Arm	= 4.00	No Scum - Low Density
	Southern End	= 3.72	No Scum - Low Density
	East Thumb	= 3.86	No Scum - Low Density
	Deepest Point	= 4.24	Some Scum - Moderate Density
2009-08-19	D River	< 0.75	No Scum - Low Density
	Campground	= 5.95	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Regatta Grounds	= 7.90	No Scum - Moderate Density
	Holmes Road Park	= 7.30	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Sand Point	= 31.00	No Scum - Low Density
	East D.L. State Park	= 4.25	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Mid Lake	= 1.45	Moderate Scum - Moderate Density
	NE Arm	= 1.40	No Scum - Low Density
	NW Arm	= 3.25	No Scum - Low Density
	Southern End	< 0.75	No Scum - Low Density
	East Thumb	= 2.35	No Scum - Low Density
	Deepest Point	=  18.85	Some Scum - Moderate Density
2009-08-05	D River	> 10.00	Some Scum - Low Density
	Devils Lake Campground	= 2.00	Some Scum - Low Density
	Regatta Grounds	= 6.58	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Holmes Road Park	> 50.00	Some Scum - 56,958 cells/ml
	Sand Point	= 1.18	Some Scum - Low Density
	East Devils Lake State Park	= 0.92	Some Scum - 8,330 cells/ml
	Lake -- NW Arm	< 0.30	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- NE Arm	> 10.00	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- East of Sand Point	> 10.00	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Deepest Point	< 0.30	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Midpoint	= 0.54	Some Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- South End	= 0.76	No Scum - 2,097 cells/ml
2009-07-31	D River	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Devils Lake Campground	No Data	Some Scum - Low Density
	Regatta Grounds	No Data	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Holmes Road Park	No Data	Some Scum - Low Density
	Sand Point	No Data	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	East Devils Lake State Park	No Data	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Lake -- NW Arm	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- NE Arm	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- East of Sand Point	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Deepest Point	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Midpoint	No Data	Heavy Scum - High Density
	Lake -- South End	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
2009-07-27	D River	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Low Density
	Devils Lake Campground	= 0.92 ppb	Some Scum - Low Density
	Regatta Grounds	= 1.54 ppb	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Holmes Road Park	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Sand Point	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Low Density
	East Devils Lake State Park	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Lake -- NW Arm	= 0.68 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- NE Arm	= 0.54 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- East of Sand Point	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Deepest Point	= 0.34 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Midpoint	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- South End	No data	No Scum - Low Density
2009-07-20	D River	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Devils Lake Campground	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Low Density
	Regatta Grounds	= 6.16 ppb	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Holmes Road Park	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Low Density
	Sand Point	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	East Devils Lake State Park	< 0.30 ppb	Some Scum - Moderate Density
	Lake -- NW Arm	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- NE Arm	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- East of Sand Point	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Deepest Point	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Midpoint	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- South End	< 0.30 ppb	No Scum - Low Density
2009-07-06	D River	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Devils Lake Campground	No Data	Some Scum - Low Density
	Regatta Grounds	No Data	Moderate Scum - High Density
	Holmes Road Park	No Data	Some Scum - Low Density
	Sand Point	No Data	No Scum - Moderate Density
	East Devils Lake State Park	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- NW Arm	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- NE Arm	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- East of Sand Point	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Deepest Point	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- Midpoint	No Data	No Scum - Low Density
	Lake -- South End	No Data	No Scum - Low Density

For more information about cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins visit:

Oregon's Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance

World Health Organization

Chorus & Bartram, 1999. Toxic cyanobacteria in water: A guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and management

Addressing Public Health Risks for Cyanobacteria in Recreational Freshwaters: The Oregon and Vermont Framework

Washington State Department of Health

Washington State Department of Ecology: Public Health & Algae

CDC (Center for Disease Control): Cyanobacteria

USGS: Harmful Algal Blooms PDF

NOAA: Harmful Algal Bloom Response

NALMS Blue-Green Algae Page

CYANO-SITE: Cyanobacterial Research

Current approaches to cyanotoxin risk assessment, risk management and regulations in different countries

STAY INFORMED: Join the CYANO-WATCH email list.  Get critical updates about the status of cyanobacteria blooms in Devils Lake as they happen.  To enroll send an email to paul@DLWID.org with Cyano-Watch in the subject.