Columbia River shoreline finally clear of toxic algae in Tri-Cities. But will it return?

Recreation restrictions due to toxic algae blooms in the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities have been lifted by the Benton Franklin Health District.

After several weeks of reduced concentrations of the neurotoxin in samples collected from the river along the Richland shoreline, health officials determined the water to be safe again.

Restrictions have been removed on the Richland shoreline from the Leslie Groves Park boat launch at Snyder Street to the dike at the south end of the park, the health district said Friday.

It closed part of the shoreline to recreation in mid-September after reports of three dogs dying and others being sickened after playing in the water.

Limits on recreation there were briefly lifted about a month ago, but continued sampling quickly found more toxins.

Local health officials could remember no other year in which there have been dangerous neurotoxins linked to a blue algae bloom in the Columbia River at the Tri-Cities.

But toxic algae blooms were reported across Washington state this year in areas not seen before in late summer and fall.

Columbia Riverkeeper expects climate-driven heat, drought and low flows to continue to exacerbate the problem on the Columbia River. Toxic algae thrive in warm, nutrient-rich and slow-moving water, it said.

The neurotoxin is particularly dangerous to small children and animals that ingest the water. It can be fatal.

Dogs can be exposed not only by drinking the water but also by licking contaminated water off their fur or paws.

Symptoms can appear within 15 minutes, depending on the size of the dog or person and the amount of the neurotoxin consumed, according to the Benton Franklin Health District.

Symptoms in dogs can include weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing and convulsions.

Symptoms in people can include numb lips, tingling fingers and toes and dizziness.

Toxins also can accumulate in fish tissues, especially in the liver, kidneys and other organs.

The health district advises caution in eating fish, particularly their organs, that are caught in areas with a major cyanobacteria bloom.