Current Advisories for Grant County:
NO CURRENT ADVISORIES |
For more information on what GCHD does during a Harmful Algae Bloom and for current conditions please see our Blue-Green Algae Monitoring page.
Cyanobacteria Information
Many lakes in Washington State have blue-green algae blooms. It is common for Grant County waters to have algae blooms in the summer and fall. Not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic, however there are types of blue-green algae that produce toxins (or poisons) which can cause serious illness in people, pets, and livestock.
The toxins, called cyanotoxins, produced by blue-green algae are microcystins, anatoxins, and saxotoxins. When toxin levels exceed the recreational guidelines set by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), it’s not safe to have contact with the water. People should stay out of the water, including wading and water recreation such as swimming or water skiing. Pet owners should not allow their pets to play in or drink water where blue-green algae are present as these toxins can kill pets.
- Sudden and unexplained sickness or death of a dog or cat who has recently been in contact with fresh water such as a lake or pond, especially if it has algae on its mouth, legs or feet.
- Large number of dead fish, birds, or other animals.
- Skin rash on people after being in the water
- Avoid all contact with the water.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water.
- Call the Grant County Health District at 509-766-7960 and report the location.
- Skin rashes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and/or eyes)
- Severe thirst
- Skin rashes
- Numbness of lips, tingling in fingers and toes, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Rapid/weak pulse
- Death
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Green Algae in Moses Lake
- Septic System Operations and Maintenance
- Blue-Green Algae (DOH)
- Moses Lake Watershed Council
- Find out which freshwater lakes in WA have been sampled for toxic algae: Toxic Algae Database (WA Dept of Ecology)
- Washington State Toxic Algae (DOH & WA Dept of Ecology)
- Harmful Algae Bloom Associated Illness (CDC)
- Information for Animal Owners (CDC)
- Toxic Blue-Green Algae Blooms Brochure
- Freshwater Water Quality Information (WA Dept of Ecology)
- Information on Lake Friendly Landscaping can be found at the bottom of the City of Moses Lake’s Shoreline page