Toxic blue-green algae found near Lind-Coulee boat launch at Potholes

The Grant County Health District (GCHD) has found toxic blue-green algae in the Potholes Reservoir, about a half mile west of the Lind-Coulee boat launch. Algae has also been seen at the Job Corps Dike. Late last week, warning signs were posted near the Pothole’s shorelines.

“We don’t have the ability to survey the whole lake, but we check the public access points,” said Todd Phillips, Environmental Health Specialist. “We need the public’s help in finding algae blooms and keeping people safe.”

The public is asked to alert the GCHD Ephrata office if they see algae in Grant County waters.

When a WARNING is posted along a shoreline, GCHD recommends:

• Do not drink lake water.

• Avoid swimming, wading or other activities in the water.

• Keep pets from having contact with or drinking water.

• Clean fish well and discard guts

• Avoid areas of algae scum when boating

Blue-green algae is actually a bacteria that grows rapidly in fresh water when there is enough sunlight, high temperatures and nutrients in the water. It is common for Grant County waters to have blue-green algae in the summer and fall. Not all blue-green 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.

People who come in contact with poisonous algae may feel numbness of lips, tingling in fingers and toes, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms after being in the water need to seek medical treatment right away.

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.

Signs of toxic blue-green algae are:

• The appearance of greenish or blueish paint floating on the water.

• Large number of dead fish, birds or other animals.

• Sudden and unexplained sickness or death of a pet, especially if it has algae on its mouth, legs or feet.

• People develop skin rashes after being in the water.

For more information on toxic blue-green algae visit: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae/faqs.htm.