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Whitman County Health Department Lifts Health Advisory for Snake River Algal Bloom by Courtney Flatt Big Country News, October 29, 2024

If ingested in high concentrations, it can cause liver damage or death.
In lower concentrations, health leaders said it might irritate skin.

COLFAX - Whitman County Public Health has officially lifted the health advisory for the Snake River between Nisqually John Landing and Little Goose Dam, following consistent water testing. The advisory, initially issued on August 16, 2024, was put in place after a water sample tested positive for microcystins, a harmful algae toxin that poses significant health risks, especially to the liver.

Throughout the summer and fall of 2024, regular testing detected elevated levels of microcystins in the water. However, two consecutive samples taken in October fell below the state's advisory threshold for toxins, allowing the advisory to be lifted.

Residents and visitors are still urged to remain cautious in areas where algal blooms are present. These blooms can often be identified by a thick, green scum on the water's surface, resembling spilled paint. Suspected blooms should be reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Related Pages:
Toxic Algal Bloom Found on the Snake River for Second Year in a Row by Courtney Flatt, NW Public Broadcasting, 8/17/24
Algae Bloom in Lower Snake River by Bert Bowler, Spokesman-Review, 11/14/23
Large Snake River Toxic Algal Bloom Hasn't Happened Before by Courtney Flatt, NW News Network, 10/10/23
Toxic Algae Warning Issued for Little Goose Dam by Staff, Tri-City Herald, 10/3/12