MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District issued a water quality warning for North Moses Lake and Lewis Horn for blue-green algae. 

Blue-green algae look like green paint floating on the water, according to GCHD. One way to test the algae is to use a stick and if it can’t be picked up, it is likely blue-green algae.  

Blue-green algae in Grant County can produce toxins that may cause illness in people, pets and livestock. Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, severe thirst, skin irritation or rapid or weak pulse. Symptoms take anywhere between 30 minutes to 24 hours to appear, according to GCHD.  

According to the Washington State Department of Health, it is not safe to have contact with water if high levels of toxins are present. People should stay out of said water, including wading, swimming and water skiing. Pet owners should not allow their animals to play in or drink water where blue-green algae is present, as these toxins can kill pets.  

According to testing results from the district, there were blooms present at Cascade Park and Connelly Park Boat Launch on Aug. 19.