Contact:

​Jane Mountjoy-Venning, Environmental Health, (360) 867-2643, or email at venninj@co.thurston.wa.us 

Jennifer Burbidge, City of Lacey Parks, Culture, & Recreation at (360) 491-0857 or Laceyparks@ci.lacey.wa.us 

OLYMPIA – Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is reporting a toxic algae bloom at Long Lake. Lab results show toxin levels of microcystin at the sample site are 17 ug/L. The state advisory level for microcystin is 8.0 ug/L. Microcystin is a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. Microcystin can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water. Staff will collect samples weekly until the algae bloom clears. Warning signs are posted at the boat launch and other locations around the lake.

In response to these findings, the City of Lacey will keep the beach and swimming area of Long Lake closed until PHSS can confirm microcystin toxicity levels are below eight micrograms. Long Lake Park remains open to the public. 

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, wind surfing 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, visit: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/algae-harmful-blooms.aspx.

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