The Washington State Department of Ecology, Grant County Conservation District, Grant County Health District, Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, and the City of Moses Lake collaborated in developing the Moses Lake Watershed Council to explore alternatives for addressing water quality issues affecting the Moses Lake watershed. The Moses Lake Watershed Council seeks guidance from the public to explore long-term solutions to local water quality issues. 

Moses Lake and the surrounding watershed are susceptible to blue-green algae blooms. Blue-green algae is actually a bacterium called cyanobacteria that have similar qualities to forms of algae. Some blue-green algae produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Blooms occur in the summer, when higher temperatures and elevated nutrient levels combine to create a thriving environment for blue-green algae. Whether or not blooms are toxic, they diminish the economic and recreational opportunities in Moses Lake and the surrounding region. 

 

If you would like to receive updated news about what the Council is working on, send an email requesting to be added to the Watershed email list to - Marie-Lotz@ConserveWa.net.  

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The Watershed Council had a 1-day strategic thinking session with Washington State Conservation Commission facilitator, Ray Ledgerwood.  The group worked through their mission, short and long term accomplishments, structural framework, early actions, funding and grant applications.

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The Council will be able to follow the plan to make sure the group is accomplishing the goals set out to seek long-term, sustainable actions to help with the water quality on Moses Lake.