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Thurston County issues toxic algae warning for Pattison Lake

Updated July 30, 2021 8:53 PM

A toxic algae bloom at Pattison Lake near Lacey is producing unsafe levels of microcystin, a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen, according to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.

County officials are warning people to avoid contact with the water.

Reports show toxin levels at the sample site are 11 micrograms per liter, above the state advisory level of 8.0 ug/L.

Staff will collect samples weekly until the algae bloom clears. Warning signs have been posted at the state Department of Fish and Wildlife boat launch.

Health officials recommend the following:

▪ Avoid contact with water containing algae.

▪ Avoid swimming, wading, wind surfing and water-skiing in water where algae blooms are present.

▪ Keep pets and livestock away from algae blooms. Microcystin can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water.

▪ Do not eat fish that comes from a lake during an algae bloom.

▪ Avoid areas of scum when boating.

This story was originally published July 25, 2021 11:36 AM.

Rolf Boone

Rolf has worked at The Olympian since August 2005. He covers breaking news, the city of Lacey and business for the paper. Rolf graduated from The Evergreen State College in 1990.