NEWS RELEASE
Health Advisories Issued for Spirit Lake and Lake Cocolalla
Panhandle Health District – August 31, 2022
Spirit Lake HAB (left) and Lake Cocolalla HAB (right) August 2022
Media Contact:
Katherine Hoyer 208-415-5108
Panhandle Health District (PHD) in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have issued public health advisories for Spirit Lake and Lake Cocolalla. Recent water sampling by DEQ indicates the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as a harmful algae bloom (HAB) or blue green algae in Spirit Lake and Lake Cocolalla. The public is urged to use caution when recreating in or near the water, especially where ingestion is a risk.
DEQ field observations at Spirit Lake were frequent shoreline cyanobacteria scum, moving with wind/wave action. Lab results are attached.
Sample IDs:
DEQHAB001 is at Silver Beach Resort
DEQHAB002 is at Maiden Rock boat launch
Anyone recreating in Spirit Lake or Lake Cocolalla is advised to take precautions to avoid exposure to lake water appearing to contain a HAB. Private domestic water system owners utilizing the lake as a drinking water source are cautioned that potentially present toxins cannot be removed by boiling or filtering the water. If contact (swimming, bathing, or showering) has been made with water containing a HAB, it is recommended to wash off with fresh water.
If people choose to eat fish from these lakes, it is recommended that they remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, since toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues.
Symptoms of exposure to algal toxins vary according to exposure. Symptoms include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, and/or wheezing. More severe symptoms affecting the liver and nervous system may result from ingestion of water. If symptoms persist, consult with your health care provider.
For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at