Lake Lawrence: Lab results from an algal bloom taken at Lake Lawrence on 11/19/2024 detected Microcystin near the state guidelines for a DANGER WARNING. 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 of the lake. Staff will collect one sample per week until toxin levels are below regulatory guidelines for two consecutive weeks. Warning signs will be posted at the Lake Lawrence boat launch and community park.

Pattison Lake: Lab results from an algal bloom taken at Pattison Lake on 11/05/2024 detected Microcystin at 3.3 ug/L, which is BELOW the regulatory limit of 8ug/l. With two weeks of consecutive sampling below advisory levels, the public health advisory has been LIFTED. 

Clear Lake: Lab results from an algal bloom taken at Clear Lake on 10/29/2024 detected Microcystin at 1.1 ug/L, which is BELOW the regulatory limit of 8ug/l. With two weeks of consecutive sampling below advisory levels, the public health advisory has been LIFTED. 

Offutt Lake: Lab results from an algal bloom taken at Offutt Lake on 10/25/2024 detected Microcystin at 5.7 ug/L, which is BELOW the regulatory limit of 8ug/l. With two weeks of consecutive sampling below advisory levels, the public health advisory has been LIFTED. 

Reporting an Algae Bloom 

Environmental Health Issue Reporting 

When there is an algae bloom present or you suspect that an algae bloom is occurring, we recommend extra precautions be taken to avoid the health risks posed by potential toxins.

• Do not drink the lake water.

• Avoid contact with water containing algae. Do not swim or water ski in areas with algae.

• Keep pets and livestock away from areas where algae blooms are present.

• When fishing, use only catch-and-release of any fish caught during an algae bloom.

• Do not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

• Avoid areas of scum when boating.

You can learn more about toxic algae blooms and health risks at www.nwtoxicalgae.org or call 360-867-2626.

Reporting an Algae Bloom 

Environmental Health Issue Reporting 

Lake Advisory Email Sign Up

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Lake Advisory Email 

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are substantial growths of algae and/or growth of toxin producing algae in a waterbody. Blooms most commonly occur in the warmer months, when light, temperature and nutrients in the water are optimal for growth, however blooms can occur at any time of year and not all are toxic. The bloom may disappear after one to two weeks, but if conditions are right, another bloom can occur and quickly replace the previous one and continue for several months. These blooms can cause significant harm to living creatures and disrupt the economic and social life of humans.

Climate change and increased nutrient pollution are causing these events to be more frequent, severe, and to occur in locations not previously seen. The effort of all communities will be needed to lessen this issue.

Eutrophication – This term describes a process that occurs when an environment becomes enriched in nutrients, causing a growth of algal blooms and plants in the waterbody. As the excessive number of algae and plants die off, oxygen becomes depleted and carbon dioxide is produced. The consumption of oxygen can create zones of water that are inhospitable for aquatic life. In other words, these species must be able to leave these zones, or die.

Toxins – The understanding of effects and development of action levels for algal toxins is an emerging development.  Just as there are a variety of algal types, there are also many toxins to be studied and examined. It is necessary to note that not all algae types produce a toxin. With that said, Harmful Algal Blooms can cause sever health effects in humans and wildlife. Below is a list of commonly found algal blooms and associated toxins.

Too Dense – When a bloom becomes extremely dense there are a variety of impacts to life, the environment, and the economy. These impacts could include the following: Prevent sunlight from entering the water column, clog gills, cause fishing and shellfish loss, impact the health of humans and wildlife, negatively impact tourism, increase the treatment cost of water, and even lower waterfront property values.

It is not possible to know if an algal bloom is harmful just from visually looking at it. Only laboratory tests can determine if an algae bloom is toxic. Protect yourself and others by being cautious and by learning to identify visual algae blooms. Below you can find a list of characteristics to look for and a few visual examples to help you identify a bloom:

Watercolor: Blue, Green, Brown, Yellow, Orange, Red

Visual Appearance: Foam, Mats, Scum, Spilled Paint

Reducing nutrient pollution to waterbodies is the key action you can take to reduce these blooms. A few ways are detailed below:

• Pick up after your pets and encourage others to do the same.
• Prevent livestock from entering the water and agriculture waste runoff.
• Reduce fertilizers and apply them at times to avoid runoff.
• Maintain your septic system.
• Plant native species to reduce erosion and runoff.
• Utilize water efficient equipment to reduce wastewater generated.
• Educate your community!

• Children usually weigh less than adults, so a smaller amount of the toxin may make them sick and the toxin may affect a child's liver or central nervous system more than it would an adults. Children may also be at greater risk than adults because they may not be aware of any health risks due to a toxic bloom and may swallow water accidentally while swimming.
• People who fish may have a higher risk. Toxins can accumulate in fish tissues, especially in the viscera (liver, kidneys, etc.). Concentrations in the tissues would depend on the bloom and toxin severity where the fish was caught.
• Pets and wildlife are likely to ingest algae when they drink water or lick their fur after swimming in a lake or pond with toxic algae. If toxins are being produced at the time animals can become very ill and even die. Dogs can be exposed to toxins by licking their fur after swimming. Don't let pets or livestock swim or drink in areas where there is a scum or mat of algae on the water. If they do swim in such areas, rinse them off as soon as you can.

For additional park info, visit Thurston County Parks.

Kenneydell County Park

Nearly 1,000 feet of shoreline on Black Lake with reservable shelters, from Hwy 101, take Black Lake Blvd south to Black Lake Belmore Rd, continue south to 66th Ave W, then west to the park.

Long Lake Park

A Lacey city park with a great swimming beach and volleyball courts, located off Carpenter Rd near the county fairgrounds.

Millersylvania State Park

An 842-acre camping park on Deep Lake with 3,300 feet of shoreline, exit #95 east and follow signs to the park. For additional park info, see the Washington State Parks Department.

Tenino Quarry Pool

Located behind the old Tenino Stone Company in downtown Tenino at 319 Park Ave W. See City of Tenino

Woodruff Park Spray-ground

The spray-ground is located on Harrison Ave and is open 11:00 am - 08:00 pm from June 1 to Sept. 1

 

Heritage Park Fountain

"Olympia's swimming pool" located in the heart of downtown Olympia outside the Capitol Building.

Yelm City Park Splash Pad

Located at 115 Mosman Ave SE, the splash pad is open in the summer only

• Briggs Community YMCA: Located in Olympia off of Yelm Highway, both lap swim and recreational swims are offered. 
• Discover Aquatics
• North Thurston High School Pool*
• River Ridge High School Pool*
• Timberline High School Pool*

*See City of Lacey Parks website for more information.

There are many wonderful locations to explore with a boat in Thurston County. Ensure to operate your vessel in accordance with the following knowledge.

Boating Safety

Thurston County has specific regulations regarding boating operations and water safety on lakes. Below are some key provisions from Title 16 – Waterways and Vessels.

• 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 watercrafts must travel in a counterclockwise 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!  (Washington State Department of Ecology)

No Discharge Zone

The No Discharge Zone is a body of water where boats may not release sewage, whether treated or not. It helps protect public health, water quality, and sensitive resources. No discharge zone (Washington State Department of Ecology)

Water recreation program activities include facility inspection, education, manager certification training, poolside training, complaint investigation, and compliance enforcement. Read more about pool safety (WA DOH).

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services approves pool facility plans in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH). WA DOH conducts pool plan reviews for new and existing facilities in Thurston County. Find information about plan submittal at the WA DOH website. Additionally, Thurston County requires operators to also complete the Water Recreation Facility Application.

Additional ​Resources

• Article VII- Water Recreation Facilities
• Pool Safety
• Healthy Water Swimming (CDC) 
• Regulated Water Recreation Facility Resources (WA DOH)