Public health concerns with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms

What are blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Discover why cyanobacteria can be a problem in Washington's lakes.

Cyanobacteria identification

Technical information about how to identify the following cyanobacterial genera.

• Anabaena
• Aphanizomenon
• Gleotrichia
• Microcystis
• Oscillatoria
• Glossary of cyanobacterial terms

Washington Department of Health Website

This site provides information about toxic cyanobacteria and symptoms of cyanobacterial toxin poisonings.

 

Health alerts & lake closures -

Washington's local health jurisdictions may issue health alerts or even close lakes if cyanobacterial toxins are high. Learn about what is happening with cyanobacterial toxins and Washington's lakes.

Toxic cyanobacteria blooms - a field/laboratory guide

Link to the Washington Department of Health's field and laboratory guide for toxic cyanobacteria in Washington (PDF file)

Statewide toxin standards

The Washington Department of Health is developing statewide guidelines for toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Draft guidelines for microcystin are currently under review by a scientific panel.

Information about Cyanobacterial Blooms from California Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management

This California site provides links to cyanobacterial programs in other states and the World Health Organization. 

North American Lake Management Society Blue-green Algae Pages

This site provides an overview of cyanobacteria, their toxins, and other problem algae.

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Public Health & Algae | Algae Monitoring Program | Lakes and Algae Management | Grants for Algae Problems