Health authorities warn of toxic algae blooming in these 2 Pierce County lakes
Update, Nov. 19: The advisories have been lifted.
Previous post: Local health authorities have announced toxic-algae caution advisories for two lakes: Spanaway and Ohop.
Residents and their pets should stay away from parts of the lakes that have visible algae, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said in a Thursday news release, citing health concerns.
Signs installed at the bodies of water warn lake-goers of the advisory.
“When you see algae, don’t swim, wade, waterski, or fish. Keep in mind as wind direction changes, the algae could move elsewhere in the lake,” the department wrote in the release. “When in doubt, stay out!”
The lakes were sampled Monday and Tuesday, and the health department got back the results Thursday. Next week officials will re-examine the lakes.
The advisory will last for two weeks if the bloom has disappeared “out of an abundance of caution,” the department wrote.
Cyanobacteria, also known as toxic algae, crop up naturally in lakes. They can create toxins that can cause sickness in people and animals.
If you see a layer of scum that appears like green-pea soup, it’s probably toxic algae, per the health department. Algae is mostly green but can appear in various colors, including red, brown and blueish. The toxic version can be clumpy, get “dispersed in the water column” or seem streaky.
Symptoms of toxic-algae sickness include vomiting, nausea, muscle weakness and diarrhea.
Learn more by visiting the health department’s website, tpchd.org/toxicalgae.
This story was originally published August 16, 2024 at 11:17 AM.
