Spanaway Lake is safe again, at least when it comes to toxic scum

Spanaway Lake no longer carries a toxic algae caution advisory.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department lifted the advisory it issued on July 3.

“The toxic algae bloom has decreased in size and no longer presents a public health concern,” the department said.

The toxins in the algae can be risky to pets and people. Ingestion or prolonged skin contact cause muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and/or nausea, according to the health department.

This story was originally published July 22, 2017 at 6:14 PM with the headline "Spanaway Lake is safe again, at least when it comes to toxic scum."