Whitman County Gazette - Serving Whitman County since 1877

COLFAX –– The Whitman County Health Department has issued a Health Alert for harmful blue-green algae toxins in the Snake River stretch from Nisqually John Landing to Wawawai County Park in Whitman County.

A water sample was taken at Granite Point on Monday, September 11, and researchers found that some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients.

Reports say blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins....