KENNEWICK, Wash. – Community members gathered at the Benton Franklin Health District for an informational meeting on Tuesday night, regarding the presence of toxic algae in the Columbia River and surrounding areas.
Climate effects specialist Jim Coleman led the meeting, discussing the nature of toxic algae.
“There can be about 4 or 5 different cyanotoxins in the Pacific Northwest. Microcystins and Anatoxins seem to be the most common toxins in this area,” said Coleman.
According to the Washington State Toxic Algae Monitoring Program, Microcystins impact the liver, and are the leading cause of animal and human poisonings.
When consumed, Anatoxins, which are more commonly found in the Columbia River, can cause muscle twitching, labored breathing, and in high concentrations, even death.
In 2021, parts of the Columbia River’s shoreline closed after dogs were exposed and killed due to toxic algae. Subsequently, BFHD started routine testing of both water intake sites and frequented areas to test for toxins.
Coleman says these areas are tested twice a month, and results usually come back within 24 hours.
“We have a routine sampling program in this area where we test, multiple parts of the Columbia River along the shorelines where people would be recreating,” Coleman stated. “And then we also test at the intakes of water treatment plants, because a lot of our drinking water comes straight out of the Columbia River. These toxins can be in the water. We want to make sure your drinking water is safe.”
Community members were also advised to keep an eye out for warning signs. Yellow signs indicate the presence of toxins that can pose health risks, while red signs signal high toxin concentrations, or confirmed sickness in people and animals who have swam there.
The fishing pond at Columbia Park currently sports yellow sings, warning the public not to swim in its waters, although swimming is already prohibited in that area. Routine testing done on June 23rd showed water at the east end of the pond testing at 1.7 µg/L (micrograms per litre) of Anatoxin-a. Additional tests were completed the following day, showing levels at 5.5 µg/L exceeding the state’s recreational threshold.
The pond is also used as a source for Kennewick’s drinking water. Tests were completed on drinking water which both displayed negative results for Anatoxin-a.
Coleman says if the public should stay informed during this time.
“Go to our website, find out what those talks and levels are in the area where you recreate. But I think you need to be very cautious with your pets and young children, because the pets can ingest algae as well as small children can ingest those large clumps and then they can become ill.”
To find if a water source near you has tested positive for toxic algae, visit Washinton State’s Toxic Algae map here.
