BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Water samples collected from Lake Whatcom showed microcystins and anatoxin-a levels below method detection limits during testing in late July 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology).
According to data released by Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program, samples were gathered from Lake Whatcom on July 23, 2026, and July 24, 2026. The July 23 sample was analyzed for microcystins and anatoxin-a, with both testing below method detection limits. Four additional samples collected on July 24 were analyzed for microcystins, anatoxin-a, saxitoxin, and cylindrospermopsin, with all results also returning below method detection limits.
State recreational guidance values establish action thresholds at 8 µg/L for microcystins, 1 µg/L for anatoxin-a, 75 µg/L for saxitoxin, and 15 µg/L for cylindrospermopsin.
Ecology funds the cyanobacteria toxicity testing program for local water body managers and residents, sharing preliminary laboratory results prior to final reporting on the Washington State Toxic Algae website, according to Ecology.
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