Description and Mission of the Program

The mission of the Surface Water program is to protect and promote the health of the people in Cowlitz County by preventing illness and injuries related to exposure to surface water. 

This is done by monitoring blue-green algae in surface waters and providing public notification as needed.

Health Department Newsletter with Toxic Algae Article

Related Outside  Websites

• Freshwater Algae Control - Department of Ecology

• Cyanobacteria - Department of Health

• Water Safety

Lake Posting Information

Tier I

Tier II

Tier III

What is Cyanobacteria?

• DOH Cyanobacteria FAQ's

• DOH Blue-Green Algae Brochure

• Guidelines for Managing Cyanobacteria in Lakes

Current Posting Information

No lakes are currently posted at this time.

Cowlitz County Test Results

Cowlitz County Toxic Algae Results    

• Department of Ecology Algae Bloom Monitoring

• Department of Ecology Toxic Algae Database

Reporting algal blooms and illnesses

There are three ways to file a report regarding an algal bloom or illnesses of pets and humans associated with cyanobacteria in Cowlitz County: 

1. You may call the Health Department directly (360-414-5599).

2. Visit the Health Department in person at 900 Ocean Beach Hwy Suite 1-B, Longview, WA 98632.

3. Fill out a complaint form online Questions, Services or Complaint Form.