Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is reporting a toxic algae bloom at Offut Lake near Tenino.
Lab results taken on Oct. 16 detected microcystins toxin levels at 30 ug/L, which is above the state recreation guideline of 8ug/L. Anatoxins were not detected.
Lake Lawrence and Clear Lake are also the subject of toxic algae health advisories announced Friday.
“Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen,” Thurston County Public Health and Social Services stated in a news release. “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.”
Warning signs will be posted at the Offut Lake boat launch.
When an algae bloom is present, health officials recommend taking 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 water-skiing 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, visit: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/outdoor-water-recreation.
