Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is urging caution at Offutt Lake due to a toxic algae bloom detected on October 16, 2024. Lab results revealed Microcystin toxin levels at 30 ug/L, significantly exceeding the state recreation guideline of 8 ug/L.
Microcystins, a liver toxin and potential human carcinogen, pose a health risk to humans, livestock and pets that may drink the water. Contact with contaminated water can cause illness. While Anatoxins, another common toxin, were not detected, PHSS emphasizes that toxins may persist even if the water appears clear.
PHSS lists these guidelines:
Offutt Lake boat launch will be marked with warning signs. PHSS will continue to monitor the situation and collect weekly samples.
Staff will collect the samples continually for two weeks until the microcystin levels are below state recreational guidelines.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Our human editorial team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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