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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 08/17/2016 - Fiorito Lake has been reopened to the public. Two consecutive weeks of test results show acceptable levels of microcystins, a toxin created by blue green algae. Additional testing of the lake will not occur, unless circumstances warrant future testing.
The lake was closed as a result of the presence of a large blue-green algae bloom in Fiorito Lake accompanied by a large number of dead fish reported by a nearby property owner. Testing of the lake in July showed high levels of microcystins. According to DOH, high levels of toxins can occur when a combination of warm temperatures, sunlight and nutrient-rich waters cause blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, to reproduce rapidly, or “bloom”. Some blue-green algae produce toxins or poisons. In their toxic form, blue-green algae can cause illness in humans, pets, waterfowl and other animals. Toxins from blue-green algae can also build up in fish tissues. For more information on blue-green algae please visit the following resources or call KCPHD at (509) 962-7515:
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Holly Myers, Environmental Health Supervisor, (509) 962-7515