Toxic algae bloom reported in Lake Lawrence

The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department issued an advisory for a toxic algae bloom in Lake Lawrence.

Lab results taken from Lake Lawrence on May 12 detected microcystin toxin levels at 45.9 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which are above the state recreation guideline of 8.0 µg/L.

"Microcystins are a liver toxin and a possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water," said the department in the advisory on May 14.

"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 may still be present." 

When an algae bloom is present, health officials recommend taking the following extra 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 waterskiing 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, click here.