Healthy Lakes
The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, Environmental Health Division improves and protects water quality in the many lakes of Thurston County. Through education on lakefront living and technical assistance, Thurston County engages those who live near or enjoy lakes to become active stewards of their lakes, watersheds and environment. We strive to work with residents with the goal of maintaining ecosystem integrity and improving water quality by developing management strategies using the best available science and resources.
The natural aging process, urbanization and climate change can all contribute to diminishing water quality in lakes. Decreases in water quality can significantly impact fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and property values. To support stewardship practices that minimize the impact to water quality, the Environmental Health Division prioritizes helping people understand the lake ecosystems they enjoy, as well as learn about and engage in best management practices for preserving lakes as a resource. In partnership with other Thurston County programs, Lake Groups and State agencies, Environmental Health assists in the development of management plans for and conducts water quality and environmental testing in many of Thurston County's lakes.
Thurston County has specific regulations regarding boating operations and water safety on lakes. Below are key provisions of Chapter 16.04.
- Speeds over 5 mph are allowed only from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or official sunset, whichever comes first.
- The maximum speed limit is 45 mph in the open basins.
- After sunset, all crafts must use proper running lights.
- Crafts operating over 5 mph must be at least 200 feet off the shoreline. This must be observed because swimmers and nonmotorized craft tend to gather within the 200-foot safety zone. This rule also reduces the impact of wakes upon shore banks. Thurston County has specific regulations regarding boating operations and water safety on lakes.
- Crafts operating over 5 mph, including personal watercraft or "jet skis," must also remain at least 100 feet away from all other craft and persons.
- All watercraft must travel in a counter-clockwise direction.
- All water skiers must have at least three people: a driver, an observer, and a skier. The observer is required to watch the skier at all times and to use a red or orange flag to signal when a skier is down in the water. All water skiers are required to wear an approved flotation device.
- Personal flotation devices must be on-board all watercraft, with one device required for each person and easily accessible. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a personal flotation device at all times if traveling on a vessel that is shorter than 19 feet.
- You must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft legally.
- Must carry a Washington State Boater Education card.
- All personal watercraft (or "jet ski") operators must wear an approved flotation device.
- It is illegal to operate any craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Don't forget to check your boat for Eurasian Watermilfoil! Click here for more information from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Thurston County Public Health posts algae advisories on its Water Recreation page.
Reporting an Algae Bloom
Environmental Health Issue Reporting
Lake Advisory Email Sign Up
Please indicate which lake(s) on the list you would like to receive updates on.
More information about water quality monitoring can be found on the Thurston County Public Health Water Quality Monitoring webpage.
Guidelines for county operations staff who use pest and vegetation control on county-owned property and rights of way.
Water Quality Data from the Storm & Surface Water Utility is available on the Thurston County Rainfall and Water Levels webpage.
Contact Us
The Thurston County PHSS Environmental Health Division is available to answer questions by sharing technical expertise, speaking to your community or group, or by providing training for healthy lake management email eh_lmd@co.thurston.wa.us or call (360) 463-8323.