Current Toxic Algae Updates on the
Columbia River
Update: August 29, 2025
Labor Day Weekend Report for Recreational Waterbodies in Benton/Franklin Counties
Water samples were collected on 8/25 from the Columbia River at multiple locations. All samples were below recreational thresholds for anatoxin-a EXCEPT Howard Amon Park. At Howard Amon Park there were visible algal mats (see photo and video below) present. These floating mats can have high concentrations of algae toxins. A portion of one of these mats was sampled and contained 9.34 ug/L of anatoxin-a. This level exceeds the recreational standard (1 ug/L). “Warning” signs have been posted along the shores of Howard Amon Park. All shorelines of the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities could potentially have these floating mats and the amount of mat material can vary from day to day as river flow changes. Those at highest risk at becoming ill are young children and dogs that may ingest these mats.
Other Water Bodies in our Area
Scooteney Reservoir (North Franklin Co). Tested on 8/25. Microcystins (MC) were detected but BELOW the recreational threshold for MC (8 ug/L). MC concentrations could potentially increase over the long weekend.
Lyons Ferry State Park (Snake River). Some blooms have been present but samples taken on 8/25 NO MCs were detected.
Sacagawea State Park (Snake River). No blooms present. Not tested recently.
Charboneau and Fishhook Parks (Snake River). These parks are not in Benton-Franklin County. Contact Walla Walla Health for information or refer to statewide map (below) In general, massive algae blooms have been site on the Snake River downstream of Clarkston, WA. So far, the bloom has not impacted the Snake closer to the Tri-Cities.
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.