Residents told to stay out of Black Lake

A toxic blue green algae in Black Lake is at levels potentially harmful to humans and pets, and Thurston County environmental health officials are telling people to stay out of the water.

Signs warning against contact with the water are being posted at prominent areas, including Black Lake Grocery, Kenneydell County Park, the Black Lake boat launch and Columbus Park.

A sample of lake water was sent to a King County laboratory last week. Results showed concentrations of microcystin, a toxic species of algae, present at 8.2 parts per billion. The limit for lake recreational use is 6 ppb, according to the state Department of Ecology.

Another lake sample was taken Tuesday morning and forwarded to the King County lab for testing.