Popular Pierce County lake treated for invasive weeds. Is it still safe to swim?
American Lake in the city of Lakewood will receive chemical treatment Tuesday to manage invasive Milfoil plants, but there are no swimming or fishing restrictions tied to the treatment, according to the city.
Spokesperson Brynn Grimley said Tuesday the treatment is routine and the water is safe. Residents who use lake water to water their lawn or their plants are advised to not use the lake water for 24 hours after the application, she said.
Crews will be on the water deploying herbicide by boat and with hand wands Tuesday, the city said in a July 5 news release.
Milfoil is the primary invasive weed targeted by the American Lake Management District. The plants root at the bottom of the lake and grow mostly underwater. The green plant has a reddish stem and near the surface of the water create flower spikes with small pinkish flowers, according to the city’s lake management website.
A 2024 report of treatment of American Lake showed “significant problems” with the invasive weed in the lake over the past few decades and AquaTechnex, LLC has been using a selective herbicide called ProcellaCOR to keep expansion down.
