Toxic algae found in Spanaway Lake so steer clear of affected water
Health officials are warning people to avoid areas of Spanaway Lake due to toxic algae.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department cautioned lake-goers to avoid areas with algae and reported that as winds change, the algae could move into new areas.
“When in doubt, stay out,” the department said in an advisory.
Toxic algae occurs naturally in lakes but can make people and animals sick.
People exposed to toxic algae can experience muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Pets that drink lake water with toxic algae suffer similar symptoms, including lethargy, difficulty breathing and convulsions.
To spot algae, look for a scum layer, streaks or clumps. Algae is most often green but can also be brown, red and blueish.
It reproduces at a high rate in fresh water with lots of sunlight, high temperatures and sufficient nutrients.
Learn more about toxic algae here.
This story was originally published August 8, 2019 at 1:06 PM.
