OLYMPIA—Washington State Department of Health advises the public to take precautions while enjoying water recreation this summer. Harmful algae blooms have been found in some Washington lakes and rivers. Algae blooms can vary in appearance but commonly look like pea soup or are blue-green or turquoise in color.

Harmful algae bloom occurs when algae with toxic strains start to grow in freshwater or saltwater. Freshwater algae blooms caused by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are most common in lakes but can occur in rivers and streams with warm, slow-moving, and stagnant waters.

DOH, Wash...