Water Conservation

Toxic blue green algae bloom on Lake Spokane latest outcome of warm, dry year

Since the middle of July blue green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms have been identified at various locations in the upper half of Lake Spokane. The blooms vary from day to day depending on wind and weather but are becoming denser. Galen Buterbaugh, Technical Advisor to the Lake Spokane Association, reports the blooms are worse in the morning when the wind is still. Samples collected on Monday, July 27th at Suncrest Park, indicated that the bloom did contain toxins. Warning signs have been posted at the Suncrest Park swimming beach.