Moses Lake, WA- The Healthy Lakes Tracker is officially live for the 2025 season! The Healthy Lakes Tracker is an interactive map that informs people of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) conditions on Moses Lake. The Tracker will remain active until fall, ending when two consecutive weeks of sampling shows safe toxin levels for all advisory zones. 

Current Blue-Green Algae Advisory 

There is an active blue-green algae advisory for the Middle Moses Lake zone. Toxins in this area are well above recreational limits. The most recent sample from Blue Heron Park showed 65.2 micrograms per liter (µg/L) of microcystins. The safe limit for this toxin is 8 µg/L. This advisory will remain in effect until toxin levels return to safe levels. To view current conditions, visit https://granthealth.org/241/Grant-County-Healthy-Lakes-Tracker

Healthy Lakes Tracker 

The Healthy Lakes Tracker started in 2023 as a joint effort between Grant County Health District (GCHD) and the Columbia Basin Conservation District. The tracker divides Moses Lake into six zones which allows advisories to be issued only where needed.

The six zones are (See the map below for a visual):

• North Moses Lake
• Lewis Horn
• Parker Horn
• Middle Moses Lake
• Pelican Horn 
• South Moses Lake (Sand Dunes)

Volunteer Opportunity 

GCHD is still looking for volunteers to support the Healthy Lakes Tracker. The program depends on volunteers and cannot continue without it.

Volunteers help by:

• Monitoring and sampling at designated points in each zone
• Submitting photos and notes through an app

“This flexible volunteer role helps us provide real-time water condition updates for Moses Lake,” said Stephanie Shopbell, Environmental Health Manager at GCHD. “We’re incredibly grateful to our volunteers and their dedication to keeping our community safe, informed, and connected to the lake.”

If you are interested in volunteering, visit https://granthealth.org/241/Grant-County-Healthy-Lakes-Tracker

About Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae blooms grow rapidly in fresh water when there is enough sunlight, high temperatures, and nutrients in the water. It often looks like green paint floating on the water. It is common for Grant County waters to have blue-green algae in the summer and fall, but not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic.

 What to Do if Blooms are Present

In areas with blue-green algae it is recommended that you avoid contact with lake water. 

 Also be sure to:

• Keep pets and livestock away from impacted areas
• Clean fish well and discard guts
• Avoid areas of scum when boating

Remember, when in doubt – stay out! To learn more about blue-green algae visit https://granthealth.org/240/Blue-Green-Algae. 

Blue-Green Algae Exposure Symptoms

The type of blue-green algae commonly found in Grant County lakes produce Microcystin toxin, which can cause serious illness in people, pets, and livestock.

Symptoms may take 30 minutes to 24 hours to appear, depending upon the size of the person or animal affected and the amount of toxic bloom consumed. Microcystin toxicosis may include:

• Jaundice
• Shock
• Abdominal pain/distention
• Weakness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Severe thirst
• Rapid/weak pulse and death

These toxins can kill pets. Pet owners should not allow their pets to play in or drink water where blue-green algae are present. To learn more about protecting pets from blue-green algae, visit https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/prevention/preventing-pet-and-livestock-illnesses.html. 

Media should contact GCHD Public Information Officer, Lexi Smith, for more information. P: (509) 770-4194 E: lsmith@granthealth.org. 

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