Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Funds received for addressing toxic algae
COLFAX — Whitman County Public Health has received a federal challenge prize to aid its efforts in combating algae blooms in the Lower Snake River.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $250,000 through its Small Communities Big Challenges Competition, targeting public health needs in rural areas. Whitman County Public Health received $27,500 for its algae bloom response initiative.
Over recent summers, algae blooms have degraded the river’s water quality, leading the local agency to issue health alerts.
In September 2023, the Whitman County Health Department issued a health alert due to harmful blue-green algae toxins detected in the Snake River from Nisqually John Landing to Wawawai County Park, spanning about 30 miles.
A water sample taken at Granite Point on September 11, 2023, identified factors such as sunny days, warm water temperatures, stagnant conditions, and excess nutrients as contributors to blue-green algae blooms. Because of those factors, there is a concern that the algae could return this summer.
These blooms, which can produce toxins, occur year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall.
A significant algal bloom on the Snake River officially died off in January, allowing the health alert to be lifted. To do this, the department needed two consecutive samples below toxicity levels, with the first sample testing below these levels in late December.
Reports indicate that health departments across Washington experienced more harmful algal blooms than usual this past summer and fall.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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