Toxic algae bloom shuts down Long Lake in Lacey

Long Lake in Lacey has been shutdown following the discovery of a toxic algae bloom in the water, making swimming dangerous for people and pets.

A recent sample of the lake’s water contained blue-green algae which produced the toxin microcystin at 14 micrograms per litter of water, a release from the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services department reads. The state standard for toxins is 8 micrograms per liter.

The city of Lacey is closing the beach and swimming area of Long Lake until the county can confirm toxicity levels are below 8 micrograms. Long Lake Park, however, remains open to the public.

Thurston County public health officials are recommending people take extra precautions when visiting the park so as to avoid health risks. While there are toxins in the water, people should:

• Not go in the lake;
• Not drink from the lake;
• Not touch the algae;
• Not let their pets in the lake;
• Release any fish caught from the lake; and
• Not kayak, paddle board or boat on the lake.

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Lacey community members are helping the county close off access points to the lake and put up signage warning people of the bloom.

This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM.