Lake users on alert for toxic algae

By Pat Jenkins

The Dispatch

Toxic algae was reported last week at Spanaway Lake, one of three lakes in south Pierce County where scummy bacteria is threatening the health of people and animals.

In addition the Spanaway, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has issued advisory warnings about algae conditions in Ohop and Silver lakes. The warnings mean the water has cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, which can produce toxins. Warm summer weather causes the algae to reproduce and spread rapidly across the surface of the water – which, if consumed, can cause make people seriously ill or even kill them. The same goes for pets, livestock and waterfowl.

Health officials say people should stay out of any parts of lakes that have the scum-like algae, keep pets and livestock away as well, and avoid boating in such areas. In addition, anglers should thoroughly clean any fish they catch in the lakes before eating them (and discard of the guts).

Doctors or veterinarians should be consulted about any sudden or unexplained sicknesses or signs of poisoning.

Along with Ohop, Spanaway and Silver, lakes in Pierce County with algae warnings include Waughop Lake, Bay Lake, Harts Lake and Whitman Lake. Warnings have been in place since May for some of them, including Ohop and Silver.

Lakes with advisories are generally checked for algae each week until the advisory is lifted, officials said.

Serious injuries or fatalities haven’t been reported, but the Health Department is continuing the advisories and monitoring the lakes for algae until further notice.

Specific warnings about algae-laced lakes that put a damper on summer fun on the water include:

• Don’t drink lake water.

• Don’t swim or water ski where algae is seen.

• Keep pets and livestock away from the water.

The algae looks like green or brown paint floating on the surface of the water. While it’s naturally occurring, it can increase due to human activity in and around lakes.

Toxic algae can reproduce rapidly in fresh water with the right amount of sunlight, warm temperatures and nutrients. Within a few days, a previously clear lake, pond or ditch can become discolored with the growth, which is called a bloom. The blooms float to the surface and form a scum several inches thick near the shoreline. Wind and weather conditions can change the amount and location.

If the algae becomes too prevalent, authorities can close a lake and tell people to stay out of the water.

Algae blooms can be reported to the state Department of Ecology at 360-407-6000.

Additional information is available from the county health department at 253-798-6470 and from the state’s Department of Health (doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae) and Department of Ecology (ecy.wa.gov/programs/.