Toxic algae health advisory in effect for Offutt Lake and Lake Lawrence

A toxic algae health advisory has been issued for Offutt Lake and Lake Lawrence.

The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department said  lab results confirmed the toxic algae bloom.

The results stem from readings taken from Offutt Lake on Oct. 22, which  detected microcystin toxin levels at 41.7 microgram per liter (µg/L), and Lake Lawrence on Oct. 21, which detected microcystin toxin levels at 10.9 µg/L. Both readings 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.

"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 health risks:

• Do not drink the lake water.
• Avoid contact with water containing algae.
• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing and waterskiing 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. 

For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County algae alerts, click here.