Toxic algae bloom closes down Pattison Lake
People are advised to stay out of Pattison Lake southeast of Lacey after a toxic algae bloom was detected, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services announced Wednesday evening.
Lab results from a sample collected on Aug. 31 found a highly elevated level of microcystins, a liver toxin.
Levels at Pattison Lake were 496 micrograms per liter (a measure of a substance’s concentration in water), more than 50 times the state advisory level.
An advisory notice is issued for any concentration above 8 micrograms per liter.
County staff are working with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and local community associations to close access to the lake and post advisory signs, the release noted.
The county is also continuing to collect weekly samples while the algae bloom is present, according to the announcement.
No one should swim in the lake. Those who fish are advised to catch-and-release.
Lake Lawrence
A toxic algae advisory remains in place for Lake Lawrence near Rainier. It was initially announced on Aug. 13.
Lab results from a sample collected on Aug. 31 indicate levels of microcystins in the water are still unsafe. The levels were 21 micrograms per liter, above the advisory level of 8 micrograms per liter.
The advisory will be lifted when samples are found to be below the advisory level for two weeks in a row, the county said.
To report algae, call 360-867-2626 or send an email by clicking on the link on this county web page: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehadm/swimming/blue_green_algae.html.
This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 8:37 AM.
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