August 15, 2025
WALDPORT, Ore. –
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory for Eckman Lake on July 31, due to the presence of cyanobacteria, and is providing an update on August 15, due to very high saxitoxin (PSP) levels, a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain harmful algae.
Saxitoxin is a natural poison that can make people very sick. It comes from certain types of algae and can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) when people eat contaminated shellfish.
Public Health Recommendations
Lincoln County Public Health strongly advises the public to:
- Avoid recreational water activities that could lead to ingestion of or contact with contaminated water.
- Do not drink untreated lake water. Boiling, filtering, or camping-style water treatments do not remove saxitoxins.
- Keep pets and service animals away from water and shoreline areas where algae may be present.
Lincoln County Public Health is also recommending that people do not harvest or eat shellfish from this area until further notice because Eckman Lake drains into the Alsea Bay estuary.
- Shellfish with saxitoxin look, smell, and taste normal, so the only way to know they are unsafe is through lab testing. Cooking or freezing does not remove the toxin.
- Crabs may also carry the toxin, so avoid harvesting them in this area for now.
Stay informed and report concerns:
If you or your pet experience symptoms after visiting Eckman Lake, contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian right away. For general questions or to report an illness, call the Oregon Health Authority at 1-877-290-6767 or visit OHA’s Harmful Algae Blooms website.
August 1, 2025
Waldport, Ore – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Eckman Lake in Waldport due to the presence of a cyanobacteria (harmful algae) bloom.
What you need to know:
While Eckman Lake remains open to the public, OHA warns that contact with water in areas where algae blooms are present could be harmful—especially to children and pets.
Avoid these activities in bloom areas:
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Power boating or anything creating excessive water spray
The algae produce toxins that are most dangerous when swallowed. They are not absorbed through the skin, but people with skin sensitivities may develop a red, puffy rash. Inhaling water spray in bloom areas can also pose a risk.
Safe activities include:
- Camping, hiking, biking, picnicking
- Fishing with caution (see below)
- Bird watching, canoeing, kayaking
- Boating at low speeds (to reduce water spray)
Keep pets and children safe:
Children and pets are at higher risk for exposure because of their size and activity level. Keep pets out of the water and off the shoreline where algae may collect and do not let them drink from or play in the lake.
Drinking water caution:
Do not drink water from Eckman Lake, even if it’s boiled or filtered. Camping-style filters and boiling do not remove the toxins. Not all private treatment systems remove the toxin. If you’re unsure about the safety of campground drinking water or in-home water drawn from the lake, contact the campground or Lincoln County Public Health.
Fishing guidance:
Fish from bloom areas may carry toxins. OHA recommends not eating fish from Eckman Lake. If you choose to eat fish:
- Remove all fat, skin, and internal organs
- Rinse fillets with clean water before cooking or freezing
Know the symptoms:
Exposure to harmful algae can cause:
- Nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, numbness, tingling, or shortness of breath
Dogs may show signs such as:
- Weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, lethargy, or vomiting.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet becomes ill after water exposure.
Stay informed and report concerns:
If you or your pet experience symptoms after visiting Eckman Lake, contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian right away. For general questions or to report an illness, call the Oregon Health Authority at 1-877-290-6767 or visit OHA’s Harmful Algae Blooms website.