This Pierce County lake is under inspection for toxic algae. Stay away
Look out for toxic algae at Palmer Lake on the Key Peninsula, health officials say.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a caution advisory July 1 for the lake in the Longbranch area. Signs are posted at the lake, and no one should swim, wade, waterski or fish in the waters where you see algae, the advisory says. Visitors should keep in mind that the algae can move if the wind direction changes.
Health department officials took samples of the lake June 25 and got the results back June 30. They said they would inspect the lake again the week of July 7. If the samples come back clean, they’ll leave the advisory in place for two weeks following as a precaution, according to the advisory.
Toxic algae is also known as cyanobacteria and can make people, pets and animals sick. It can look like green pea soup, appear streaky or be scattered in varying depths of water. It’s usually green, but it can also be brown, red and blueish. The wind and weather can affect the algae location and amount.
A person who was in contact with toxic algae can develop symptoms, including muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea and should see a medical provider if symptoms occur. Toxic algae can also cause skin irritation or a rash.
Children and pets are especially vulnerable to toxic algae because of their small bodies and likelihood of ingesting water with toxic algae, according to the advisory. Pets who show signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, difficulty breathing or general weakness should be taken to the vet.
People or pets exposed to toxic algae should get rinsed off immediately. Seek medical help if symptoms appear. The toxins can make a person sick within minutes to hours of exposure. Prevent your pets from licking their fur.
Avoid consuming any fish from areas with visible toxic algae, the advisory says.
Toxic algae require light, the right temperature and nutrients to develop, according to the release. To help prevent toxic algae, good strategies including reducing the use of fertilizer, maintaining septic systems and disposing of pet waste in the trash.
The health department tests an array of lakes across Pierce County besides Palmer Lake including Spanaway Lake and Lake Tapps, the health department website says. Access to Palmer Lake is private and restricted to nearby residents, and the community has over 500 properties, according to the Palmer Lake Beach Club Homeowners Association website.
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 3:34 PM.
