Peak toxic algae season is here
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – The Benton-Franklin Health District reports peak toxic algae season has arrived and will continue through early October.
The last water sampling on July 22 detected no algae toxins at water treatment plant intakes. However, toxins were detected at Leslie Groves Swim Beach and Howard Amon Park in Richland.
BFHD warns users of the Columbia River to avoid the water if there are layers of scum or green, brown or reddish clumps on or around the water’s surface.
Dogs are especially at risk as they tend to ingest large amounts of water and material along the shoreline. When pet owners visit a shoreline, not under current warnings or restrictions, do not let a dog eat or chew on clumps of algae, do not let a dog lick its fur, rinse the dog with clean water after swimming, and rinse your hands and any exposed skin.
