We’ve all seen the recent algae on our lake. The good news is that our lake does not usually experience toxic Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). However, that changed on October 17th.
Toxic Algae Reported on Offut Lake reported on October 17, 2024
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is urging caution at Offutt Lake due to a toxic algae bloom detected on October 16, 2024. Lab results revealed Microcystin toxin levels at 30 ug/L, significantly exceeding the state recreation guideline of 8 ug/L.
Microcystins, a liver toxin and potential human carcinogen, pose a health risk to humans, livestock and pets that may drink the water. Contact with contaminated water can cause illness. While Anatoxins, another common toxin, were not detected, PHSS emphasizes that toxins may persist even if the water appears clear.
Read full article from JOLT News: LINK
Click this LINK to see the historical record of algae reporting for Offut Lake dating back to 2011.
Click this LINK to read a recent cautionary talk from Lake Lawrence titled: “Oct 2024 Worst Toxic Algae Bloom in the History of Lake Lawrence.”
Here are some helpful links to learn more about Toxic Algae and to report a bloom:
- Washington State Toxic Algae: LINK
- Report a Bloom: LINK (Tip: Click link and go to page 7 for Thurston County info)
- To request a sampling kit: Email: algaetoxinbottles@kingcounty.gov
- About Toxic Algae: LINK
MORE ABOUT ALGAE
Blue-green algae
Also known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. These toxins are called cyanotoxins
Filamentous green algae
This type of algae is a natural part of aquatic environments. This “good” algae is part of a normal healthy lake. It provides food for insects that then feed the fish. However, like native aquatic plants, it can become a nuisance when it grows too much
Stick test: Put a stick in the algae and then pull it up. If the stick comes out looking like you thrust it in a can of paint, the mat on your lake is likely to be a blue-green algae scum, which can be toxic. If the stick pulls out strands that look like green hair or threads, the mat on your lake is likely filamentous green algae, which is harmless.
Note: One cannot always be sure of the toxicity of algae by color alone. For complete accuracy a lab test should be done.
