Uncovering the Truth: Is the Toxic Blue Algae in Our Local River a Danger to You and Your Family?

So another Eastern Washington summer is fast approaching, and for the first time since the first abrupt blue algae arrival on the scene a few years ago... we didn't really hear about it this last summer at all. It's strange to me, we were hearing about it only after the temps had dropped this last fall, when most of the Columbia River's water temp was far below what the toxic algae typically grows in. So why is toxic algae " season" always closer to Fall??

But nonetheless, a warning was issued. So, we were keeping the pets out of the water. Before I dive in about the algae itself... let's talk about WHERE they test for this, in town.

Did you know they test all over, even up near Burbank, (as far as I've been able to confirm)?Have you been up to the lagoons by Burbank? There are lots of still, non-flowing, shallow scummy, park lagoons, downriver, out there.

I'm not surprised we're getting a positive algae warning from out there. So when they warn everyone, there's a toxic bloom, it could very well be a bloom nowhere near your part of the river. And they say if there is no sign present, that the level was too small for their instruments to detect and so there is not a toxic level.

Here are a few important things to know about this type of algae. It grows in warm, still water, and in my experience, when it's prevalent, you can definitely see this stuff. I first saw it in 2021, out in one of the outskirt parks, 30-40 minutes from the Tri-Cities, with lagoons and inlets. Just as you'd expect of this toxic algae, it was growing atop the water in a stagnant, shallow inlet in our 110-degree summer. Now that I get it, that makes scientific sense .It's odd how before 2020 it doesn't seem like we'd had this algae reported here, and I don't think any of us ever thought we would. The Columbia River equals cold, fast-moving water... the opposite of where this algae grows. So here's the thing, I saw it with my own eyes, and it was electric. I'm sure it can be present without this electrifying blue glaze that it creates atop the still water it calls home. I've heard, sometimes, an algae bloom can be under the surface, making it harder to see. Now there are many types of algae, and not just the blue algae can be toxic; so before you go letting your dog in slightly green, murky water, make sure you know what algae looks like and know what you should beware of! But if it is present where water is stagnant and does not circulate, where the depth is not enough to provide cooler temps in the water, and where it sits in the warm sun all day long, growing... That stuff is not safe, so when it comes down to it, be smart, use judgment, and don't get in warm, still, mucky water that's growing stuff. Stay out of discolored, scummy, or smelly water and keep pets away.

If you see scummy algae-like stuff at the water's edge, or collecting scum or dried residue...avoid that area. If the river level has dropped but the current of water is fresh, there could still be scummy edges at the shore.

But as for living in fear of this toxic stuff out in the billions of gallons of cold, fresh, deep Columbia water flowing past us in the local park by the minute, every time someone alerts to toxic algae... I'm going to check where THEY FOUND IT... and then I'll check the area I'm in, and probably take my chances. And I have been... since the first skull and crossbones sign went up in Leslie Groves Park in 2020 and no one saw it because it was poorly placed, and people were still swimming because they didn't see it... and we all survived. I didn't get sick, I felt great, the water was chilly and brisk as usual... and every year I continue to swim in the cold, natural Columbia River. I don't drink it, I don't let my dog drink it. The harm typically comes to those that may ingest it! I don't let my dog in if there's a warning, but I'll still get in the flowing cool areas.

Though my Confidence in there being any kind of dangerous or concentrated level of toxic algae in the cold current rushing through where we go is nil, I still won't let my dog ingest it if there's a warning. Dogs' systems are different than ours; I don't think it would do anything because the water is so fresh, but he's not allowed in. However, I go in and we're all fine. That's the judgment and common sense side of things.

In Richland, they tend to leave signs up even when there's no current levels or algae warning. So, check with the local center that tests the water for updates. Check their update releases online. Test results are usually available a couple of days after they test. Where are they testing? Do they test the cool flowing water, or are they just testing the still, petri-like water in these inlets? I guess my question is why when the temperature is too cold to grow this stuff does it seem to be the season? Maybe summer is too hot.

Know what you're afraid of, look at it, read about it... it's just science. Please use caution and exercise common sense, but when in doubt, stay out.

Don't forget there are other colors of algae. I just talked about blue algae here.

I feel like if it's that concentrated and dangerous, they would post signs people could see and actually close stuff down. Is the single sign in one part of a massive park nowhere near the parking lot or entrance (lol) just for a disclaimer?? Either way, the lack of action by the city is alarming if it's really going to kill us. Or, it's annoying because the local news is shouting blue algae when it was found in one or two spots nowhere near the main parks and it's okay for us but they want to cover their bases or bring in a headline. So, be confident by researching it yourself, and getting your info straight from their website! Check out this local flyer for our area. They now have a great site where you can get all the info on this stuff https://a3b0921f-357f-41f8-9465-0f2c38729168.usrfiles.com/ugd/a3b092_0288404c62334e9c9a880c6e43aedf5b.pdf If your pet does ingest blue algae water, please seek medical attention immediately. If none is available, we (not veterinarians) would recommend to induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and get a vet on the phone for remote help. (Again we're not vets, and this is strictly personal advice that has been corroborated by a local vet office).