MOSES LAKE, Wash — The Grant County Health District (GCHD) is asking the public to avoid contact with Moses Lake after a blue-green algae bloom was detected.
On July 9, the department collected water samples from Connelly Park and found toxin levels that were higher than the Washington State recreational guidelines for microcystin toxins.
Health officials say it is reasonable to assume that blue-green algae could be present in all parts of Moses Lake.
GCHD has posted signs around Moses Lake warning people to avoid contact with the water and the signs will be up until the lake is clear of the toxins.
GCHD volunteers from the Cyanobacteria Surveillance by Citizens, Users, and Managers will continue monitoring and testing the lake weekly.
The algae blooms grow rapidly in fresh water when there is enough sunlight, high temperatures and nutrients in the water, according to the Health Department.
The type of blue-green algae detected at Moses Lake can cause serious illnesses in people, pets and livestock. GCHD officials say the symptoms may take 30 minutes to 24 hours to appear, depending on the size of the person or animal affected and the amount of toxic bloom consumed.
Signs of toxic blue-green algae include large numbers of dead fish, birds or other animals. Sudden and unexplained sickness or death of a pet who has recently been in contact with fresh water is another sign, according to the GCHD. People can also develop skin rashes after being in the water.
The Health District says drinking contaminated water is the most common way to contract the toxins. Exposure may also occur by drinking or eating food contaminated with toxin, including fish.