Related News
Related News
-
September is National Preparedness Month: 3 tips to prepare your home & family
Let's "Be Ready" together!
Find Out More -
EWEB, SUB and RWD join forces at Lane County Fair to distribute water to fairgoers
The Eugene Water & Electric Board, Springfield Utility Board and Rainbow Water District are teaming up for the 9th year to provide fairgoers with clean, cold free water.
Find Out More -
EWEB bids a fond farewell to College Hill Reservoir and prepares for modern drinking water storage tanks
Several hundred Eugene residents came together on May 30 for a Farewell Celebration at EWEB’s College Hill Reservoir before demolition and construction to build modern drinking water storage tanks begins later this year.
Find Out More -
Drinking Water Week 2024
This week, we celebrate the value of clean, safe water, the importance of water infrastructure, and the critical role of water professionals.
Find Out More -
Fixing the Unseen: Water Pipeline Replacement in Unincorporated Eugene
Learn more about EWEB's methods for monitoring and replacing aged water pipelines.
Find Out More -
New tanks come online as EWEB modernizes water system
New drinking water storage tanks are one of several investments to ensure that EWEB can meet critical community needs in the event of an earthquake.
Find Out More -
State of the McKenzie Watershed
EWEB’s Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) team says the McKenzie River continues to be an excellent source for drinking water.
Find Out More -
Preparation and Resilience: How EWEB Maintained Water Service During Recent Ice Storm
Learn about the projects and people that helped EWEB keep water flowing throughout the extreme weather event.
Find Out More -
Your EWEB Rates at Work: Investing Today for a Resilient Tomorrow
For more than a century, EWEB has planned, built, and maintained the systems that deliver safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible power and water to Eugene homes and businesses.
Find Out More -
EWEB’s water infrastructure projects designed for reliability during major disasters
As communities nationwide Imagine a Day Without Water, EWEB strives to ensure such a day never happens.
Find Out More -
EWEB lead annual "Spill Drill"
EWEB coordinates drill as part of protecting Eugene’s drinking water
Find Out More -
Salmon Return to Finn Rock Reach
Finn Rock Reach and other restoration projects throughout the Middle McKenzie provide conditions to help young fish survive to adulthood.
Find Out More -
EWEB programs reflect community values
EWEB is here to serve our customer-owners and provides programs that reflect the values of our community.
Find Out More -
EWEB Prepares for the Annual Observance of "Imagine a Day Without Water"
Water infrastructure is essential, invaluable, and in need of continuous investment. Read how EWEB's Staff and Board of Commissioners are working to safeguard Eugene's water future.
Find Out More -
Bethel neighbors boost emergency preparedness during Emergency Water Station event
Staff gave out about 300 emergency water containers to enthusiastic community members eager to learn more about the water station.
Find Out More - Show More
New interactive map advises recreationalists of HABs dangers
July 20, 2022
The McKenzie River is one of Oregon’s best recreation destinations and here in Eugene we are lucky to have it right in our backyard. Whether you paddle, swim, or fish, you can find clear, crisp waters with stunning scenery throughout the McKenzie Valley.
There are a few sites, however, that pose higher risks for developing Harmful Algal Blooms. HABs are outbreaks of toxic cyanobacteria that thrive in warm water conditions, and they can be harmful to human health or to pets.
As the McKenzie River is currently the sole source of drinking water for around 200,000 people in Eugene, EWEB routinely tests water in 10 locations to be able to detect and treat for the effects of HABs to make sure our water is safe to drink.
It’s been a part of our water quality regime since the Oregon Health Authority began requiring cyanotoxin monitoring in 2018. In the four years EWEB specialists have sampled for cyanotoxins, we have never detected toxins at concentrations of concern at the Hayden Bridge Water Treatment Plant intake site.
Nevertheless, in the warm summer months, people should be aware of HABs and learn how to identify suspicious algae to stay safe. Parents and guardians of young children and dog owners should pay particular attention when swimming in or near the Blue River Reservoir or downstream of Cougar Reservoir. At these sites, the reservoirs’ impounded water can heat up and accumulate nutrients, creating ideal habitats for HABs to develop.
The Oregon Health Authority recommends, "Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green, or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out!"
EWEB is making it easier for you to recreate safely, with a new interactive HABs map that displays our latest testing results. By providing early warning of when cyanobacterial HABs are producing cyanotoxins, we can help prevent potential recreational exposure to these cyanotoxins in our reservoirs and river.
“We collect hundreds of samples every summer, and we keep a watchful eye on the McKenzie,” said Water Quality Specialist Brenda Casarez. “We’re excited to share our testing results on our new interactive HABs map so we can help EWEB customers and visitors stay safe when exploring our beautiful McKenzie River.”
Next time you’re heading up to Blue River or Cougar Reservoir, check out our website to get a heads up on HABs activity. Be sure to check the date of the test, as we monitor every two weeks, and use your best judgement if the water doesn’t look healthy.