Hayden Lake Watershed Improvement District

09/10/2026

California's battle with golden mussels is an important reminder for Idaho.

Once an invasive species becomes established, controlling its spread can be costly and incredibly difficult. Prevention remains our best defense.

Read this recent Our Gem article from the Coeur d'Alene Press about what California's experience can teach us and why protecting Idaho's lakes and waterways matters.

Read the article:

When California discovered golden mussels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in November 2024, resource managers immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. Unlike many invasive species that take years to reveal their impacts, experts knew right away this tiny freshwater mussel had the...

09/05/2026

If you’re heading to Hayden Lake with your dog, keep an eye out for signs of toxic algae, including pea-green slime, bright green “moss,” or green circles on the water’s surface.
⚠️When in doubt, stay out.

Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and animals. Dogs are especially vulnerable because they may drink the water or lick algae from their fur after swimming.

If you think your pet has been exposed:
• Rinse them thoroughly with fresh water right away
• Keep a close eye on them for any signs of illness
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if they show signs of distress, and let them know about the possible algae exposure

The Idaho Humane Society has put together a helpful guide on what pet owners should know about toxic algae blooms and how to protect their pets.

👉 Read more: https://idahohumanesociety.org/the-deadly-effects-of-toxic-algae-blooms-and-your-pets/

When in doubt, stay out. A little caution can go a long way toward keeping our four-legged lake lovers safe.

Sunny days and warmer months allow pets and their owners to spend time together playing in the water; however, pet owners need to be especially vigilant this time of year, as some water can become toxic to both humans and animals. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality currently has water adv...

08/28/2026

A Night to Remember Over Hayden Lake

Last night, the moon put on quite a show! We’re grateful to Hayden Lake residents David B. and Steve W. for sharing these incredible photos of the lunar eclipse with us.

There’s something pretty special about seeing the night sky reflected over Hayden Lake. Thank you, David and Steve, for capturing the moment and letting us enjoy it, too!

📸 Photos submitted by Hayden Lake residents David B. and Steve W.

08/26/2026

Wildfire smoke affects more than the air we breathe. It can also have an impact on our lakes and aquatic ecosystems.

With wildfire activity across the Inland Northwest this summer, it’s worth understanding how smoke, ash and wildfire-related changes can affect water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

The Coeur d’Alene Press takes a closer look at the connection between wildfire and water in this timely article.

Read: https://cdapress.com/news/2026/aug/23/our-gem-how-wildfire-smoke-can-affect-aquatic-ecosystems/

As the 2026 wildfire season intensifies across the West, the connection between wildfire and water is becoming increasingly relevant. The western United States has experienced severe fire and weather conditions this summer, with multiple large fires burning just west of Coeur d’Alene (including th...

08/19/2026

🚨 Update to Public Health Advisory for Hayden Lake 🚨

Panhandle Health District, in collaboration with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, has issued a public health advisory for the northern end of Hayden Lake due to the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. The affected area has expanded. Please consult the map below to see the whole affected area.

⚠️ The advisory is in effect through the end of the recreation season (mid to late October).

If you're planning to spend time on the water, please use caution:
— Avoid water that appears discolored or has surface scum, streaks, or mats.
— Keep pets and children away from affected areas.
— If your home uses lake water, do not rely on boiling or standard filters to remove cyanotoxins.
— If you come into contact with affected water, wash off with fresh water as soon as possible.

Because blooms can move with wind and water currents, everyone recreating on Hayden Lake should stay alert for changing conditions.

Read the full advisory, view the advisory map, and learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets here:
https://haydenlakewid.com/news/public-health-advisory-08072026/

Please help spread the word by sharing this post so everyone enjoying our lakes can stay informed and safe.

08/17/2026

2026 Aquatic Invasive Plant Treatments Planned for Hayden Lake

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is continuing its work to control Eurasian watermilfoil in Hayden Lake this year.

The 2026 treatment plan includes one diver-removal area and 11 targeted chemical treatment areas. CleanLakes, Inc. is the contracted treatment provider.

Treatment is expected August 25 - 28th, 2026, but dates may change based on weather, wind, and water conditions. The ISDA treatment map is the best place to find the most current information about treatment areas and dates.

👉 Most importantly: Make sure your water-rights contact information is up to date!

ISDA uses water-rights records to notify affected property owners about aquatic w**d treatments. If you've recently purchased your property or changed your mailing address, you may need to update your information with the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR).

You can find the forms you may need, along with more information about the 2026 Hayden Lake treatment plan, in our latest article:

https://haydenlakewid.com/news/aquatic-w**d-treatment-2026/

View Water Rights Notice:https://haydenlakewid.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-HAYDEN-LAKE-WATER-RIGHTS-NOTICE.pdf

View the ISDA Treatment Map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a0562d15958047a9b08b6e3aac6ffc51/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please check the treatment map for the latest updates, as treatment dates may change.

Learn about 2026 Eurasian watermilfoil treatments on Hayden Lake and why updated water-rights contact information matters.

08/13/2026

More brains. Less mussels.

The smartest way to protect Hayden Lake doesn't require fancy equipment—just good habits.

Every time you boat, fish, kayak, or paddle:
• Clean your equipment.
• Drain all water.
• Let everything dry before visiting another waterbody.

These simple steps help stop invasive mussels before they can spread and protect the fish, wildlife, and clean water that make Hayden Lake such a special place.

Knowledge is one of the best tools we have for keeping our lake healthy.

08/07/2026

🚨 Public Health Advisory for Hayden Lake 🚨

Panhandle Health District, in collaboration with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, has issued a public health advisory for the northern end of Hayden Lake due to the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae.

⚠️ The advisory is in effect through the end of the recreation season (mid to late October).

If you're planning to spend time on the water, please use caution:
— Avoid water that appears discolored or has surface scum, streaks, or mats.
— Keep pets and children away from affected areas.
— If your home uses lake water, do not rely on boiling or standard filters to remove cyanotoxins.
— If you come into contact with affected water, wash off with fresh water as soon as possible.

Because blooms can move with wind and water currents, everyone recreating on Hayden Lake should stay alert for changing conditions.

Read the full advisory, view the advisory map, and learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets here:
https://haydenlakewid.com/news/public-health-advisory-08072026/

Please help spread the word by sharing this post so everyone enjoying our lakes can stay informed and safe.

Panhandle Health District, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality have issued public health advisories for the upper end of Hayden Lake.

08/05/2026

Don't move a mussel!

Summer means more days on the water, but it also means a greater risk of spreading invasive mussels.

Zebra and quagga mussels can hitch a ride on boats, trailers, anchors, and other equipment. Once they're introduced into a lake, they are nearly impossible to remove and can damage ecosystems, clog infrastructure, and impact recreation.

Before heading to your next destination, remember:

✔️ Clean your boat and gear.
✔️ Drain all water.
✔️ Dry everything thoroughly.

A few extra minutes at the boat ramp can help protect Hayden Lake for everyone.

08/03/2026

**Air Quality Update for Hayden Lake & North Idaho**

Today's air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with an AQI of 101 driven by fine particulate pollution (PM2.5). Smoke from regional wildfires can make it harder to breathe, especially for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.

If you're in a sensitive group, consider:
• Limiting prolonged time outdoors
• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activities
• Keeping windows and doors closed when possible
• Running an air purifier or your home's HVAC fan with a clean filter

Even if you're healthy, you may notice smoky conditions or mild irritation if you're outside for extended periods.

Stay informed by checking the latest Idaho Department of Environmental Quality air quality forecasts before heading outside:
https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Forecast?siteId=2

Take care, and don't forget to check on neighbors, friends, and family members who may be more affected by today's air quality.