Toxic algae blooms at Pattison Lake, Thurston County warns. Here’s what to know
Thurston County is warning the public to avoid Pattison Lake due to a toxic algae bloom.
Staff from the Environmental Health Division of the county’s Public Health and Social Services Department took a water sample at Pattison Lake on Sept. 30 and issued an advisory on Thursday.
The lab results showed microsystin toxin levels at 9.0 micrograms per liter, which is just above the state recreational guideline of 8 ug/L. Microsystins are a group of toxins that affect the liver and are possible human carcinogens, according to the advisory.
People who contact water with high levels of microcystin can develop gastrointestinal illness such as vomiting and diarrhea and suffer liver damage, according to the county’s website.
Staff plan to collect and test one sample a week until toxin levels fall below the regulatory guideline for two consecutive weeks. Only then will the advisory be lifted.
Until then, the county advises the public not to drink or touch the lake water even if it appears visibly clear of algae. That means no swimming, wading, wind surfing or water skiing. Pets and livestock should also be kept away from the lake.
Additionally, the county advises the public to not eat any fish that come from the lake during the algae bloom and to avoid areas of scum when boating.
Pattison Lake is located near the southern boundary of Lacey in Thurston County.
The lake spans 254.6 acres and contains populations of stocked rainbow trout as well as naturally reproducing populations of largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, and rock bass, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
A notice on the agency website indicates water access at the lake is closed to the public from Oct. 1 to Nov. 2 so crews can remove invasive Eurasian watermilfoil.
The public can view current lake advisories on the Thurston County website. More information about toxic algae blooms and health risks can be found by visiting www.nwtoxicalgae.org or calling 360-867-2626.
