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Monitoring for Harmful Algae Blooms
Volunteer to Monitor with CSCUM
Cyanobacteria Surveillance by Citizens, Users, and Managers (CSCUM) is a volunteer group that coordinates with GCHD to check for cyanobacteria blooms at predetermined observation points. Volunteers are provided training from GCHD and are given all the materials they need to take samples when they are needed. Volunteers must be able to upload photos digitally using a cell phone or tablet. The data collected will get uploaded to the Grant County Healthy Lakes Tracker so anyone can see lake conditions and any posted advisories. Volunteers can go out anytime Monday - Thursday to fill out the Healthy Lakes Tracker survey. If toxin samples need to be taken from the lake, volunteers go out on Mondays or Tuesdays. If you'd like more information, you can call the office at 509-766-7960 or email us. If you're ready to sign up to be a CSCUM volunteer please fill out the registration form.
EPA’s Cyanobacteria Assessment Network Application
The EPA’s Cyanobacteria Assessment Network application (CyAN) is available on Android devices or as a web app and is free to use. The density of cyanobacteria is shown from blue with the least amount of bacteria to red, which has the most amount of bacteria. Areas in gray or black mean concentrations are below detection limits.
The app does not show the level of toxins, only the amount of cyanobacteria in the water. The photos are updated once per week and may not represent the conditions of the lake during other times. Harmful algae blooms float and move around in a water body due to wind and currents. When in doubt – stay out!
- What does Grant County do during a harmful algae bloom?
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GCHD relies on the public to notify us if they see blooms of Blue-Green Algae in waterbodies in Grant County. If you want to report a harmful algae bloom anywhere in Grant County, you can email pictures to us. Please include when and where the photos were taken. When a harmful algae bloom (HAB) is verified, we take samples of the bloom. GCHD staff can take samples or we can coordinate sampling with CSCUM.
CSCUM stands for Cyanobacteria Surveillance by Citizens, Users, and Managers. It is a citizen group coordinated by GCHD for the purpose of monitoring Blue-Green algae. Samples are collected on Mondays or Tuesdays and sent out for testing at the King County Environmental Laboratory. The samples are shipped out the same day they are taken and we usually have results by Friday. All results are posted on this page when we get them (see table in Observations and Advisories Section). If results from sampling show that toxin levels are above the Washington Department of Health's Recreational Guidance Levels, GCHD will post advisory signs along the waterbody at public access areas such as swim beaches and boat launches, as well as updating information on our webpage. GCHD may also notify the public through media releases and social media. The advisory won't be lifted until 2 consecutive samples show toxin levels are below the guidance levels.
- What do I do if I see a harmful algae bloom?
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As soon as you see a bloom or possible signs of exposure:
- Avoid all contact with the water.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water.
- Call the Grant County Health District at 509-766-7960 and report the location.