How to report and test a bloom
Toxic algae caution sign at Lake Hicks
Sampling a bloom event
This program is managed by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The King County Environmental Laboratory provides analytical testing and sample kit shipping under contract.
The decision to accept or decline a sample request is made by the Washington State Department of Ecology, local health department and county lake experts. To report a bloom and start the sampling process
please reach out to your local county representatives https://www.nwtoxicalgae.org/Contact.aspx.
Hard copy directions for sample collection procedures and the algae data sheet will be sent along with the sample collection kit
To start the sampling process please use the
automated sample number generator and follow the instructions.
Marisa Burghdoff – Lake Ketchum
Once a sample is at the laboratory, specialists will identify the algae species. If the
sample contains an algae known to produce toxins, the laboratory will run a toxin analysis on the
sample and you may be asked to send in more samples. Be aware that Ecology cannot reimburse postage
or delivery costs but does pay for laboratory analyses.
Resampling a bloom event
If you are submitting a follow-up sample for a lake that has already been tested in previous week(s),
please follow the directions above. Please sample only one week after the toxin levels return below
recreational levels. Samples will be approved by Ecology before testing.
Please work through Ecology. The laboratory will not accept outside samples through the Ecology
program unless they have been approved by Ecology.
For more information please contact:
Ecology
To request sample bottle kit