Toxic Algae Warning Issued for Waterways in Ocean Shores

OCEAN SHORES, Washington – The Grays Harbor County Environmental Health Division has issued a health advisory for all freshwater bodies in and around Ocean Shores after test results confirmed the presence of toxins in the Oyhut Canal, just south of Lake Minard. The area showed signs of an algae bloom, prompting precautionary measures.

Residents and visitors are advised to avoid all contact with water in areas where algae blooms are visible. This includes swimming, wading, paddleboarding, or fishing, and keeping pets away from water. Algal blooms can change as wind direction changes, potentially affecting other areas.

Read on to learn more about the advisory and what to do if you come into contact with the toxic algae.

Identification of toxic algae

Toxic algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce harmful toxins that affect humans, pets, and animals. These blooms often resemble green pea soup, but can also appear streaky or lumpy, with colors ranging from green to brown, red, or bluish.

Symptoms of exposure

Exposure to toxic algae can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Skin contact can cause irritation or rash. Children are at particular risk due to their smaller body size and increased risk of ingesting water.

Protecting pets

Pets are very sensitive to exposure to toxic algae. Symptoms in animals include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, difficulty breathing, and general weakness. If pets exhibit any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary attention is required.

Safety precautions

If exposed to toxic algae, people should rinse off immediately and watch for symptoms. Prevent pets from licking their fur and seek veterinary attention if symptoms occur.

It is also advisable not to eat fish that comes from places where algae is visible. It is also advisable to thoroughly clean caught fish and throw away the entrails.

Prevention and reporting

By reducing fertilizer use, properly maintaining septic systems, and properly disposing of pet waste, you can reduce the amount of nutrients in the water and thus prevent algae blooms.

For more information or to report an algae bloom, contact the Grays Harbor County Environmental Health Department at 360-249-4222 or email [email protected].

For more information about toxic algae, visit the Grays Harbor County Environmental Health Division website.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Black Canyon fire burns 11,000 acres in Yakima County, residents evacuated

2 more arrests over murder of 13-year-old boy in Kent

Edmonds approves backyard breeding ban amid overcrowded shelters

Man sentenced to prison for 2021 hit-and-run that killed Shoreline mother

AI-driven cancer research company Ezra comes to Seattle

Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free. FOX 13 Seattle Newsletter.