Harmful Algae Blooms

Current Toxic Algae Updates on the
Columbia River

Update: September 16, 2025

Water samples were collected on 9/15/25 from the Columbia River at multiple locations. Additional water samples were collected along the swimming route of the IronMan competition that will occur on September 21st. All water samples taken from the Columbia River were below recreational thresholds for anatoxin-a (1 ug/L). There were no visible algal mats when water samples were taken.

BFHD would like to remind the public that river currents can change very rapidly and move floating algae debris along the shorelines. Be cautious if you see floating algal mats (see photo and video below) in the river.

The pond in Columbia Park does exceed recreational thresholds for both anatoxin-a and microcystins. However, the City of Kennewick does not allow swimming at the pond. The pond is used as a raw water source for drinking water but the finished drinking water (after treatment) did NOT contain any toxins. More testing will be performed to ensure the safety of the water.

Other Water Bodies in our Area

Scooteney Reservoir (North Franklin Co). Tested on 9/8/25. Microcystins (MC) were detected at a concentration of greater than 4.5 ug/L. This does NOT exceed the recreational threshold (8 ug/L) for microcystins. Periodic testing will continue.

Yakima River. Historically, the Yakima has not had detectable levels of algae toxins and is not monitored on regular basis.

Updates will be posted here when new test results are available.

If you see what you believe is an algae bloom in a local waterway, you can report it to 509-460-4200 and we will investigate.

BFHD Sampling Sites Map

Background
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are bacteria which have some of the characteristics of plants. They are found throughout the world on land and in lakes, rivers, and ponds, and in estuaries and seawater (oceans). Thought to be caused in part by global warming, all over the world, more and more water bodies are seeing large areas of growth or algae blooms. These blooms are important because the bacteria produce toxins that affect water quality, ecosystem stability, surface drinking water supplies and public health.

During early fall of 2021, portions of the shores of the Columbia River that flow through the Tri-Cities area (Richland, Kennewick and Pasco) were closed after the deaths of several dogs who had been exposed to toxic algae while along the shoreline.

In Benton and Franklin Counties, BFHD was aware of this issue occurring in local lakes and rivers. What made this incident in 2021 unique was that toxin-producing blooms had not been found in the flowing waters of the Columbia River. Of concern was that the area in which the blooms appeared to be occurring was the same area where the cities of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco have water intakes for their drinking water treatment facilities. BFHD works closely with these utilities to make sure that the drinking water is safe.

While not all algae blooms produce toxins, but there is no easy or quick way to know if a bloom contains harmful toxins. Activities that can expose you to toxic algae are swimming, boating or fishing. During these activities, exposure to toxic algae typically occurs when the toxins are swallowed, or one inhales water spray with the toxins. By far, swallowing is the most common way to be exposed.

Is it safe to eat fish from rivers and lakes that have algae toxins in it? Click here to learn more.

BFHD always urges dog owners to be cautious when visiting a shoreline with your dog, follow these guidelines if your dog goes in the water:

- Do not let them eat or chew on clumps of algae
- Do not let them lick their fur
- Rinse them with clean water after swimming
- Rinse your hands and any exposed skin