Ecology Freshwater Algae Program

Image for toxic algae bloom in Green Lake
Toxic algae bloom in Green Lake (Seattle)

Image for algae bloom in Lake Cassidy
Toxic algae bloom in Lake Cassidy

In 2005, the Washington State Legislature established funding for an algae control program. Ecology developed the program which focuses on providing local governments with the tools they need to manage algae problems. The Freshwater Algae Control Program targets blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) because these algae pose a health risk to humans, pets, and livestock. Local jurisdictions, lake managers, and Washington residents can report an algae bloom and sample it to test for potential toxins produced by algae under the program.

This database contains cyanobacteria data from freshwater systems in Washington (from 2009 to present). You may search the database by using the following search:

  • County
  • Lake Name
  • Sample Date/Date range
  • Toxin Name
  • Toxin Concentration
  • Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA)

You may also leave all search fields blank to return all results in the Toxic Algae Database (this may take a few minutes to return results).

For more information please see: WA State Freshwater Algae Control Program

Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. For questions on the Freshwater Algae Program please contact . For questions on the content or functionality of the site please contact . For information or concerns about a current Algal Bloom please contact your local Health Department.

© 2012 King County