Communication Materials
- Animal Safety Alert Poster (PDF)
- Danger Sign - Keep Out of Lake. Closed Due to Toxic Algae (PDF)
- Warning Sign - Toxic Algae Present, Lake Unsafe for People and Pets (PDF)
- Toxic Blue-Green Algae Blooms Brochure (PDF)
- Veterinarian Reference Card (PDF)
- When in Doubt Stay Out! Toxic Algae Blooms Happen in this Lake, Sign (PDF)
Guidance Documents
- Washington State Recreational Guidance for Microcystins, Anatoxin-a, Cylindrospermopsin and Saxitoxin, 2021 (PDF)
- Washington State Recreational Guidance for Microcystins (Provisional) and Anatoxin-a (Interim/Provisional), 2008 (PDF)
- Washington State Provisional Recreational Guidance for Cylindrospermopsin and Saxitoxin, 2011 (PDF)
- Water System Guidance for Harmful Algal Blooms (PDF)
- Provisional Health Advisory Level for Anatoxin-a and Saxitoxin in Drinking Water (PDF)
Department of Health Contacts
For general inquiries, technical assistance, or to report a bloom or illness, email us.
Primary contact for freshwater HABs. Tracks environmental data/trends, provides technical assistance and collaboration with local health and other state agencies.
Cecilia Welch, Climate & Water Epidemiologist, 564-669-8851
Recreational water advisories affected by freshwater HABs and cyanotoxins. Follow state recreational guidance values for cyanotoxins.
Alyssa Payne, Water Recreation Public Health Advisor, 564-999-3225
Nichole Russell, Water Recreation Program Specialist, 360-236-3309
Human or animal illnesses and deaths associated with cyanotoxins. Conducts follow-up investigations with local health for CDC’s One Health Harmful Algal Blooms (OHHABs) database.
Laurie Stewart, Foodborne & Waterborne Disease Epidemiologist, 564-999-1223
Animal illnesses and deaths associated with cyanotoxins. Can assist with follow-up investigations and contacting local veterinarians.
Beth Lipton, State Public Health Veterinarian, 564-669-0656
Public drinking water systems affected by freshwater HABs and cyanotoxins; includes source water protection and treatment.
Steve Deem, Engineering & Technical Services Office of Drinking Water, 360-878-7625
Jolyn Leslie, Surface Water Program Engineering Specialist, 206-945-6927
Department of Ecology
Washington State Counties
More Resources
- Video: Learn to Identify Cyanobacteria Blooms, ITRC - For more resources and information, visit the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council.
- Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Water Bodies, EPA
- Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illness, CDC
- 1999 Guideline Values for Cyanobacteria in Freshwater, World Health Organization
- Cyanobacteria in Freshwater, National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health
- Cyanobacterial Toxins in Water, Foundation for Water Research, 2004 (PDF)