Toxic algae at Clear Lake, south of Yelm

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is cautioning the public of a toxic algae bloom at Clear Lake, which is southeast of Yelm near Deschutes Falls Park.

According to the county’s press release samples taken from Clear Lake reveal toxin levels “above the threshold for health concern” of Microcystins at 10 ug/L and Anatoxins below the method detection limit. The state advisory level for Microcystins is 8.0 ug/L and 1.0 ug/L for Anatoxin.

“Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen,” the county explained. “Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water.”

County staff will continue to take weekly samples at the lake until the algae bloom clears and have placed warning signs at the boat launch.

When an algae bloom is present, health officials recommend taking extra precautions to avoid the health risks posed by potential toxins.

• Do not drink the lake water.
• Avoid contact with water that contains algae.
• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing and water-skiing in waterbodies 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.

Community members can visit the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services website for more information.