CONTACT:  Renae Miller, Public Information Supervisor – Public Health & Social Services, 360-463-0362 or renae.miller@co.thurston.wa.us 

Dr. Jen Freiheit, Director, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services

Toxic levels are above the threshold for health concern. 

OLYMPIA – Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is reporting an algae danger warning for Lake Lawrence.

Lab results taken from Lake Lawrence on 11/19/2024 detected Microcystins toxin levels at 1,431 ug/L, which nears the state recreational guidelines for the issuance of a DANGER warning of 2,000ug/L. Anatoxins were not detected. 

Due to the upcoming holiday, staff will be unable to take a sample next week. Staff originally issued a warning on 10/18/2024 but due to the increased microcystin concentrations listed above, we are issuing a notice of danger. During this time, the WDFW public boat launch will be closed, and everyone is to remain off the lake. Warning signs will be posted at the Lake Lawrence boat launch and community park.

Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water. Staff will continue to collect weekly samples until they receive two consecutive weeks of samples with microcystin levels below state recreational guidelines. Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins may still be present.  

When an algae bloom is present, health officials recommend taking extra precautions to avoid the health risks posed by potential toxins.

• Do not drink the lake water.
• Avoid contact with water containing algae.
• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing, and water-skiing in waterbodies where algae blooms are present.
• Keep pets and livestock away from where algae blooms are present.
• Do not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.
• Avoid areas of scum when boating. 

For more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks, and to see all Thurston County Algae Alerts visit: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/outdoor-water-recreation

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