Drinking water sources serving significant portions of Oregon’s population have large reservoirs in their headwaters, which are subject to Harmful Algal Blooms or that release nutrients downstream that support in-stream algal production, either of which can generate toxins affecting the drinking water safety. This study seeks to better evaluate risks to drinking water sources from HABs including the ways that reservoir operations affect algal toxin formation. Nutrient sources to the reservoirs from upstream land management, including wildfire and resource extraction are also included. Recent data collection efforts include lake profiling buoys and satellite imagery to help with situational awareness as blooms develop and provide real-time notification.
