Toxic algae health advisory in effect for Pattison Lake

A toxic algae health advisory has been issued for a lake in Thurston County.

The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department issued a toxic algae bloom notice for Pattison Lake, as well as an algae danger alert for Lake Lawrence.

Lab results taken from Pattison Lake on (June 3) detected Microcystins toxin levels at 104 ug/L (micrograms per liter), which is (above) the state recreation guideline of 8ug/L," the department said.

"Microcystins are a liver toxin and 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 may still be present."

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

• 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 view all Thurston County Algae Alerts, click here.