Health Advisory Lifted for Cascade Reservoir

Ada County — Central District Health (CDH), in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), have lifted a public health advisory for Cascade Reservoir, located in the Valley County community. The advisory was issued on August 13, 2021 due to the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). After regular monitoring, and water sample collection and testing, DEQ confirmed levels have returned to normal and toxin levels are below the safety threshold.

CDH and DEQ advise water users to be cautious in and around areas where a bloom may still be visible — always use caution around water bodies with visible slime, surface scum, or a foul odor. High concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause illness to both humans and animals.

You can help by reporting suspicious-looking water to DEQ by phone, email, or with the bloomWatch app, or online at: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/report-a-potential-cyanobacteria- algal-bloom/. Information on how to report suspicious surface water, and a list and map of current health advisories in Idaho is available at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water- quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/.

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Media Contact: Rachel Garceau, Public Information Officer
Cell: 208-871-1712 | | rgarceau@cdh.idaho.gov