Pattison Lake in Thurston County comes under toxic algae advisory. Here are details
Thurston County late Friday reported a toxic algae bloom alert for Pattison Lake.
According to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, lab results taken from Pattison Lake earlier this month detected Microcystins toxin levels above the state recreation guideline.
Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen and can also cause illness in livestock and pets that come into contact with affected water.
According to Friday’s release, “Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines.”
It added that “Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins may still be present.“
An algae danger alert for Lake Lawrence also was reported in the release, with no further details.
When an algae bloom is present, officials recommend taking extra precautions to avoid health risks. Those include avoiding ingesting and coming into contact with lake water and keeping pets and livestock away from where algae blooms are present.
Officials also recommend not to eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom and avoiding areas of scum when boating.
For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County Algae Alerts go to: thurstoncountywa.gov/outdoor-water-recreation.
