The sloughs were closed back in August of 2022 when toxic blue algae was found at unsafe levels in water samples.
![Credit: Dr. Jennifer L. Graham; U.S. Geological Survey](https://wpcdn.us-east-1.vip.tn-cloud.net/www.yaktrinews.com/content/uploads/2019/11/toxic-algae_1565989798626-jpg_39186911_ver1-0-1024x576.jpg)
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Department of Community Health, in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has opened sloughs 3 and 4 at the McNary Wildlife Refuge.
The sloughs were closed back in August after water samples showed high levels of cyanobacteria. This is commonly known as blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae can be harmful to people, pets and livestock.
The WWCDCH and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service continued to monitor the levels found at the McNary Wildlife Refuge where weekly testing was done.
As of Monday, the results of this testing show sloughs 3 and 4 are now safe for recreational use.
ALSO ON YAKTRINEWS.COM:
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY YAKTRINEWS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.