Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is reporting a toxic algae bloom in Pattison Lake, according to a news release.
Lab results from a sample taken from Pattison Lake on Oct. 16 detected microcystin toxin levels at 135.0 µg/L, which is above the state recreation guideline of 8.0 µg/L.
Algae advisories are still in place for Clear Lake, Offut Lake and Lake Lawrence.
Microcystins are a liver toxin and a possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water.
Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines. Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins might still be present.
When an algae bloom is present, health officials recommend taking the following precautions to avoid the health risks posed by potential toxins:
• Do not drink the lake water
• Avoid contact with water containing algae
• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing and water-skiing in water bodies where algae blooms are present
• Keep pets and livestock away from where algae blooms are present
• Do not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom
• Avoid areas of scum when boating
For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County Algae Alerts, visit www.thurstoncountywa.gov/algae-advisories.
