RICHLAND, Wash. – A few weeks ago, toxic algae were reported again in the Columbia River, most recently in Leslie Groves and Howard Amon Parks in Richland in the last week and a half. This prompted the Benton Franklin Health District to conduct annual sampling to evaluate toxicity levels in the water.
According to the Benton Franklin Health District, it has started routinely monitoring for toxic algae since 2021.
In recent years, elevated levels of toxic algae have been found in the Columbia River. Due to these findings, the health district has implemented safety measures by placing warning signs in the affected areas.
These signs warn of the risks associated with contaminated water. Jim Coleman, the Climate Specialist for BFHD, urged the community to keep their pets away from the river to avoid possible poisoning.
“Dogs are very susceptible to the toxins for a couple of reasons,” Coleman said. “They have a low body weight compared to humans. They tend to drink a lot of water when they get in the river, and they also have a tendency to eat green things that wash up along the shore. If they eat those green things or ingest a lot of water and ingest that toxin, they can become very sick and ill.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the toxin in toxic algae is Anatoxin-A, a potent neurotoxin found in algae.
Coleman said the BFHD established a lab to test water samples found in the Columbia. According to Coleman, It takes a village to do something like this.
It’s a collaboration between local cities, BFHD, the Washington State Department of Health, King County Environmental Lab, the EPA, and the Department of Ecology.
Coleman said establishing lab capacity to see if the toxins exist in local water sources will help them respond quickly to issues.
Coleman says BFHD plans to continue testing for algae in its lab by taking water samples in key areas along the Columbia.
The Benton Franklin Health District said the peak of toxic algae blooms occurs at the beginning of August and goes through October.
Coleman said BFHD has tested drinking and recreational water sites since May.
They urge people to stay away from those areas. The BFDH put warning signs around dangerous areas for humans and pets.
Coleman said the algae is dangerous to humans and animals. He says dogs are most at risk because they take in a lot of water when they swim. He said it will also affect humans, but it’s less dangerous to people because they don’t drink the amount of water a pet will while swimming. However, younger children are different.
“You have to remember that they might ingest some water,” he said. “They might put things in their mouth. So, I would say dogs and young children are most susceptible to this type of toxin.”
Coleman said if you suspect your dog has eaten algae, call a veterinarian immediately. Do not let them lick their fur, and be sure to rinse them. For people, look for dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
Coleman said if you see what you think is toxic algae to report it to BFHD.
