Subscribe to our email newsletter:         HEALTH ALERT - Toxic Algae Bloom Topic Index | Contact Us | Search Ecology home > News > News Release Department of Ecology News Release - September 30, 2008 08-268 Toxic algae bloom prompts warning signs at Newman Lake SPOKANE- Signs have been posted at the Newman Lake Resort to warn people that an algae bloom there is the toxic, blue-green algae that people and pets should avoid. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) tested the slimy substance finding it to be well above the concentration of six micrograms per liter that is the threshold for considering the algae to be dangerous. The first test results came in Sept. 29, 2008, and put the concentration of blue-green algae at 191 micrograms per liter. More samples have been taken and sent to an accredited laboratory for follow-up tests. The results of those tests have not yet come back. The bloom is now unnoticeable, but according to state Department of Health guidelines, the signage must remain until the concentration is less than six micrograms per liter for a full week. Spokane County’s Department of Engineers and Roads posted signs this afternoon in the immediate vicinity to warn people to avoid swimming in the infestation area near the resort. The county Department of Engineers and Roads manages the Newman Lake Flood Control Zone District. Mike Hepp of Ecology’s water quality program in Spokane said: “We think the bloom is going away, but it’s important to make absolutely sure before people get back into the water in that part of Newman Lake.” The tainted water from a blue-green algae bloom can make children and adults sick, and even kill pets and livestock. Although a natural phenomenon, toxic blue-green algae blooms can cause people who are exposed to tainted water to have stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and possibly nerve and liver damage. Algae blooms can be fed by an overload polluting nutrients that act like fertilizers, such an phosphorus and ammonia. People can help keep nutrients out of the water by picking up dog waste, maintaining septic tanks, reducing use of fertilizers, and planting vegetation along shorelines to decrease polluted stormwater runoff. Most types of algae are harmless, some are considered nuisances, and others are important to lake productivity. Blue-green algae blooms happen mostly in the summer or fall, but can occur anytime. Blue-green blooms may float to the surface and can be several inches thick near the shoreline. A blue-green algae bloom often looks like green paint in the water or floating on the surface. People should avoid contact with suspect algae blooms and should shower or bathe after contact with lake water. Ecology’s freshwater algae control program offers an online, searchable database that allows people to find out which lakes have had outbreaks of toxic algae. The tool helps local health agencies and the public keep up to date with the latest testing information. The state’s toxic algae database is at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/toxicalgae/InternetDefault.aspx. ### Media Contact: Jani Gilbert, Ecology Communications, 509-329-3495, cell 509-990-9177. For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/links/plants.html More News >>> Salmonella Risk Prompts Pet Food Recall Possible Contamination of Mars Petcare Products Could Pose Risk to People and Pets September is Dental Month !! What's Bugging Your Pet? Flea and Tick Information Toxocara Concerns IN THE NEWS !! Our patient!! Our client !! Our Clinic!! Tavi Has His Smile Back Shetland sheepdog's owner's dentist saves canine's tooth with root canal, filling February is National Pet Dental Health Month !!! Arthritis Holiday Precautions Cold Weather Tips A Pet-Friendly Holiday Season We appreciate your business! Latah Creek Animal Hospital 4241 S. Cheney-Spokane Road Suite E Spokane, WA 99224 509-462-7387 Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 12:00PM Sunday Closed To subscribe to our email list, send a message to: latahvetnews-subscribe@latahvetnews.com To remove your address from the list, just send a message to: latahvetnews-unsubscribe@latahvetnews.com Admin | Email | Stats