The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) has issued a harmful algal bloom (HAB) health advisory for Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs. Visitors are urged to use caution when recreating in or near the water where a HAB has been identified or is suspected.

Recent water samples from the reservoirs show elevated levels of toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Although cyanobacteria (sometimes referred to as blue-green algae) are a natural part of Idaho’s recreational water bodies, the toxins they produce can be harmful to people, pets, and livestock.

HABs were identified near Wolf Creek in Brownlee Reservoir and at Eagle Bar in Hells Canyon Reservoir.

IDHW urges several precautions: avoid swimming or wading. Take extra care to ensure children, pets, and livestock do not drink or come into contact with reservoir water. Do not drink or cook with the water; boiling or filtering does not remove cyanobacteria toxins.

For additional warnings, symptoms, and what to do if you come into contact with a HAB, visit the state’s health advisory online. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality also maintains a list of current water quality test results from the state’s lakes and reservoirs on their website.

Brad Bowlin 
Communications Specialist 
208-388-2803 
bbowlin@idahopower.com