Contact:

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

​OLYMPIA – Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is reporting a toxic algae bloom at Lake Lawrence. Lab results show toxin levels of microcystins at the sample as 37 ug/L. The state advisory level for microcystins is 8.0 ug/L.

Microcystins are a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. Microcystins can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water. Staff will collect weekly samples until the algae bloom clears. Warning signs are posted at the boat launch and other locations around the lake. 

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. 

Thurston County Environmental Health will continue to monitor and collect weekly samples as long as the bloom persists. Two weeks of consecutive sample testing must show microcystin levels below the state advisory level for PHSS to lift the health advisory.

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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