Health advisory issued for algal bloom

COLFAX — Whitman County Public Health has issued a health advisory following the detection of a harmful algal bloom along the stretch of the Snake River.

This advisory was prompted by a water sample taken on Friday, Aug. 16, near Granite Point, which tested positive for microcystins, a liver toxin.

The harmful algal bloom has been identified intermittently in the Snake River stretch between Nisqually John Landing and Little Goose Dam.

Additional testing will be conducted in the coming weeks to determine the full extent of the bloom.

Residents and visitors are advised to avoid areas of the rive...