Worst toxic algae bloom in the history of Lake Lawrence closes lake to everyone

Water samples taken at Lake Lawrence, southwest of Yelm, on October 22, 2024 showed microcystin levels at 2,361 micrograms per liter (ug/L), which is above the state recreational guideline of 8.0 ug/L and exceeds the State recreational guidelines for the issuance of a danger warning, which is 2,000 ug/L. This has resulted in the issuance of a notice of danger. During this time, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) public boat launch will be closed, and everyone is to remain off the lake.

This is the second Toxic Algae Bloom in as many months and the most severe in the history of Lake Lawrence. The highest level of toxicity prior to this was 585 micrograms per liter (ug/L) several years ago. This level closes the lake for all recreational activity, locks down the public boat launch access gate and is extremely dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife. How long will the lake be closed? We do not know. Testing will be conducted weekly. Until the test results show toxicity levels below state guidelines the lake will remain closed. Several years ago, the lake was closed for 6 weeks.

Lake Lawrence has had a Lake Management District (LMD) for 38 years but has never had sufficient funding to tackle toxic algae issues.

Numerous studies have been conducted over the years to identify the problems the lake is experiencing. Lake Lawrence is an eutrophic lake with extremely high phosphorus content caused in large part by the diversion of the Deschutes River, by way of a ditch, into Lake Lawrence by the State of Washington for 20 years in the early 1900’s. The State took the property from the landowners and made the lake into a reservoir to provide water to the Olympia Power & Light Company at the Deschutes Falls Power Plant to ensure the Cities of Olympia and Tumwater had sufficient power to grow their respective economies. Once the lakes’ usefulness to the State was no longer needed the land was returned to the original owners, the diversion ditch was closed and the lake returned to its natural levels. But the damage to the lake was done.

The problem was the sediment that flowed into the lake from the river, just like what happened to Capitol Lake. The river filled the lake with over 20+ feet of highly nutritious sediment, reducing the lake’s depth and accelerating the Eutrophication of the lake by as much as 200 years. This is not hyperbole. These are facts well documented by the numerous studies conducted by environmental groups from Seattle to Portland over the past 35 years. The results of those studies showed the best way to remedy the toxic algae (phosphorus) situation was to dredge the lake – sound familiar? The cost was estimated at $250 Million. Certainly not within the budget of the LMD and the state certainly did not want to step up and pay for it.

The LMD has hired yet another environmental group to provide another assessment of the situation and make a recommendation on the best way to move forward in attempts to eliminate or reduce the toxic algae blooms without dredging the lake, which has been studied and shown to be far too expensive. That study will not be completed until June 2026 and will cost the LMD $93,000.

The problem was created by the State when they diverted the river into the lake. You would think the state would want to help resolve the problem. To their credit the state did provide a $50,000 grant in 2024 to supplement the cost for the recent study. I wonder if the state will also consider providing funds to correct the problem once the study is completed. I guess we will see. They sure seem intent on spending millions to take care of Capitol Lake.

Over these 38 years LMD members have been assessed millions of dollars in fees to fund the LMD lake stewardship program at Lake Lawrence. To be fair the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) contributes several thousands of dollars a year to the LMD because of the high use public boat launch on the lake that brings thousands of visitors to the lake every year.

Lake Lawrence is one of only five lakes in Thurston County that allows all types of watercraft recreational use. WDFW is required by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.61 to contribute to the LMD because of the many benefits the lake provides to local, state and national visitors and the issues the lake experiences because of that usage (e.g., noxious and invasive species brought into the lake as well as toxins that are brought into the lake from the garbage left by visitors and gas/oil leaked from boat motors, trailers, vehicles, etc.).  All these problems must be dealt with by the LMD through volunteer effort and hiring contractors to keep the lake healthy. However, even WDFW is pushing back on the amount they pay into the LMD fund believing the amount they pay is not commensurate with the benefits to the citizens. At current LMD assessment rates the LMD cannot afford to pay the cost of toxic algae mitigation, which costs roughly $200,000 a year. The LMD would need to at least double those assessment fees to even begin to deal with those costs.

How bad does the lake need to get before the state will step up like they are doing with Capitol Lake?

What is most disappointing to residents of lakes with LMDs is the fact that these residents pay additional fees through their property taxes to provide lake stewardship that helps keep these lakes healthy for everyone. Now our State, County and other local jurisdictions want to use taxpayer money to fund dredging of the West Bay of Budd Inlet that will primarily be used to dredge areas in and around private marinas and the yacht club reducing the costs to private individuals and businesses. See previous articles on the Deschutes Estuary Inter Local Agreement.

          ~ Barry Halverson, Thurston County

Barry Halverson serves as the Washington State Lake Management District Coordinator and on the Thurston County Lake Management District leadership team. He is the co-chair of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District. 

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