PULLMAN – The Whitman County Health Department has up to date a Health Alert for the presence of dangerous blue-green algal toxins within the Snake River. Water samples taken from Wawawai Landing and Central Ferry in Whitman County examined optimistic for these toxins on October 2, 2023, and the river is presumed to include toxins in your entire stretch between these two pattern places.
Whitman County Public Health will proceed to pattern and monitor the stretch of river till we now have two consecutive non-toxic samples.
Residents and guests are suggested to take the next precautions:
Do not drink, swim, wade, use private watercraft, water ski or boat in waters the place there’s a seen bloom.
Wash your pores and skin and clothes with cleaning soap and water if in case you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
Keep pets away from the realm. Waters the place there are algae blooms are usually not protected for animals. Pets and livestock ought to have a special supply of water when algae blooms are current.
Do not cook dinner or clear dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water won’t eradicate the toxins.
Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
Blue-green algae are a sort of micro organism which are widespread in freshwater environments. A bloom happens when fast development of algae results in an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and infrequently produce floating mats that emit disagreeable odors.
Some environmental components that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, heat water temperatures, nonetheless water situations and extra vitamins. Blooms can seem year-round however are extra frequent in summer season and fall. Many forms of blue-green algae can produce toxins.
Blue-green algae blooms can influence human well being and ecosystems, together with fish and different aquatic animals.
If you see an algal bloom, you’ll be able to notify the Washington State Department of Ecology on the following hyperlink. https://www.nwtoxicalgae.org/ReportBloom.aspx
If you see a fish die-off, you’ll be able to report them to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife on the following hyperlink. https://publicinput.com/Portal/A3502
Contact your veterinarian should you imagine your pet has turn into unwell after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
If you may have different well being questions or issues about blue-green algae blooms, please name the Whitman County Health Department at (509) 397-6280.
