Toxic algae advisory in effect for Thurston County lake, officials warn
Thurston County officials issued a toxic algae advisory Thursday for Lake Lawrence near Rainier.
Samples from Tuesday show that Microcystins levels are “above the state recreation guideline,” the county said in a news release May 14.
“Microcystins are a liver toxin and a possible human carcinogen,” the release said. “Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water.
The guideline is 8 micrograms per liter, and the test showed the lake at 45.9, the release said.
“Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines,” the release said. “Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins may still be present.”
Among other precautions during an algae bloom, residents should stay out of the water, keep animals away, and not eat fish from the lake, the release said.
For more information, visit thurstoncountywa.gov/lake-alerts.
