For the second time this month, Long Lake beach in Lacey is closed due to algae

The beach and swimming area at Long Lake Park in Lacey was closed Thursday because of limited water visibility, which can be a precursor to a blue-green algae bloom.

The closure is expected to last at least a week. Currently, water visibility is 3 feet, creating safety issues for swimmers and lifeguards, according to the city of Lacey.

Thurston County health officials are testing the water.

Long Lake was closed earlier this month for two weeks because of low visibility.

Blue-green algae usually floats to the surface of the water and can become several inches thick close to the shoreline, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Factors such as warm temperatures, sunlight and nutrient-rich waters can create a recipe for rapidly producing blue-green algae, which can be toxic to humans and pets.

This story was originally published August 30, 2018 at 2:19 PM.