Whitman County Public Health issued a health advisory for Snake River due to harmful algal blooms. The blooms are harmful to people and animals.
WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. — Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) issued a Health Advisory for Snake River due to a harmful algal bloom.
WCPH took a water sample near Nisqually John Landing on Monday, and the results came back on Thursday. The results indicated the water came back positive with microcystins, which is a type of liver toxin.
The advisory is for the areas of the river between Nisqually John Landing and Little Goose Dam. WCPH says any areas with visible scum on the surface of the water should be avoided at all costs.
Whitman County reminds everyone that the algal blooms might move locations as they follow the currents.
Sample results are updated weekly or bi-weekly. If you want to keep track of the results, you can click here.
Here is a list of things to keep in mind during the algal bloom:
- Do not make contact with the water at all. This involves swimming, drinking and any other recreational use of watercraft.
- If you make contact with the algae or odd-colored water with a strong stench, wash your clothes and skin with soap and water.
- Keep your pets out of the water, as it is harmful for animals.
- Do not cook or clean dishes with the water. If you boil the water, it will still have the toxins in it.
- Do not eat any shellfish from the water with the algal blooms.
If you or your animal makes contact with the water, make sure to contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Algal blooms are present in areas with warm air and water, sunny weather, still water, and high levels of nutrients in the water. The blooms can be identified as greenish scum on the surface of the water, giving the impression of spilled paint. Algal blooms are commonly blue or green, but they can also be brown or pink.