Although levels of blue-green algae have dropped at Crane Prairie Reservoir, making it safe to go boating near Rock Creek Campground, Deschutes National Forest officials said in a release Friday that people should still avoid swimming or wading in the reservoir.

The health advisory regarding swimming and wading at the reservoir may be lifted next week if algae levels continue to drop, the release said.

Certain strains of blue-green algae can release toxins harmful to people and animals.

The advisory was posted July 1, when algae levels exceeded World Health Organization standards, and upgraded on Aug. 20 to recommend people avoid boating.

It is safe to eat fish caught at the reservoir, because toxins do not seem to build up in fish.

Deschutes National Forest hydrologists have been testing water at 11 lakes and two reservoirs for algae levels throughout the summer.

Although algae levels prompted officials to post health advisories recommending people avoid contact with water at Lava and Odell lakes earlier this summer, the advisories were lifted when algae fell to acceptable levels.

No advisories for elevated algae levels are posted at any other bodies of water in the Deschutes National Forest.

Advisories and algae levels for lakes and reservoirs are available on the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests’ Web site, at www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/ under links to water information.