Thurston County warns of toxic algae bloom at Black Lake

The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department reported a toxic algae bloom at Black Lake on Thursday, according to a press release.

The state advisory level for microcystins, a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen, is 8.9 ug/L. Lab results show toxin levels at Black Lake are 33 ug/L.

Microcystins also can cause illness in livestock and pets that drink the water, according to the release. Staff will collect weekly samples until the algae bloom clears. Warning signs are posted around the lake.

People should not drink the lake water or come into contact with any water containing algae. Other precautions and information on toxic algae blooms can be found on the county website.

This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 8:11 AM.

Ty Vinson

The Olympian

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Ty Vinson covers the City of Olympia and keeps tabs on Tumwater and other communities in Thurston County. He joined The Olympian in 2021. Before that, he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism at Indiana University. In college, he worked as an intern at the Northwest Indiana Times, the Oregonian and the Arizona Republic as a Pulliam Fellow. Support my work with a digital subscription