New website - Updated information about the Summit Lake toxic algae advisory

This advisory is no longer in effect.

There is a new website with updated information about the toxic algae advisory at Summit Lake. The website address is http://bit.ly/SummitLakeAlgae.

What you will find on the website:

• Guidance for avoiding risks posed by algae toxin in Summit Lake.
• Water truck information for residents on Summit Lake.
• Algae toxin lab test information.
• Maps of testing sample locations.
• Information about labs accredited for algae toxin testing.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Public Health contact information.
• Links to information about blue-green algae. 

The website and the public information line (360) 709-3080 have the most updated information about the Summit Lake water emergency.

Summit Lake Toxic Algae Bloom Update – Thursday May 11

This advisory is no longer in effect.

Water truck available daily between 4-7 p.m.

The water truck (Water Buffalo, Inc.) will park at the Fire Station at 2815 Summit Lake Shore Rd NW between 4-7 p.m. Residents can bring their own containers to collect water for drinking and cooking during those times. This water truck will be available daily between 4-7 p.m. until further notice.

Community meeting on Saturday. *** Updated: Location Change***

Come to the community meeting on Saturday May 13 from 2-4 p.m. at the new location - the Boy Scout Camp 11740 Summit Lake Road NW. Staff from Thurston County Public Health will be there to answer questions.

Public Information Line: (360) 709-3080

The Public Information Line is being updated regularly.

Thurston County Public Health advises no contact with the water.

Summit Lake is under advisory for a toxic algae bloom. The algae bloom is producing high levels of the toxin Anatoxin-a, which is toxic to the nervous system. The Thurston County Board of Health has declared this as a community emergency.

•  Do not drink the water, do not shower or bathe in the water, do not use the water for cooking, washing dishes, laundry or to water pets or animals. 
• Avoid all contact with the lake water.
•  Keep pets and children out of the water.
•  Don’t fish or swim in the water.

Public Health took 11 additional samples from around the lake on Tuesday May 9 and should have tests results back by Friday May 12. We will continue to update residents as we know more. 

If you have additional questions or concerns, contact Thurston County Environmental Health at (360) 867-2626.

Summit Lake residents are advised not to use their tap water.

This advisory is no longer in effect.

Summit Lake is under advisory for a toxic algae bloom. Residents living on Summit Lake who get their tap water from the lake should not use their tap water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Disinfection, boiling, and treatment systems don’t remove or deactivate the algae toxin.

Current levels are at 354 micrograms per liter. One microgram per liter is considered a reason for health concern. The bloom is producing high levels of the toxin Anatoxin-a, which is toxic to the nervous system.

Public Health also advises the following other precautions:

  - Residents should find a temporary alternative source of safe drinking    water.

  - Don't shower in water taken from the lake until laboratory tests show    the water is safe.

  - Avoid contact with lake water.

  - Keep pets and children out of the water.

  - Don't fish or swim in the water.

Public Health will continue to monitor the situation and will take more lake samples in the next week. We will continue to update residents. Please share this information to help get the word out. You can find more information about toxic algae here.

Residents and lake users with questions can contact Jane Mountjoy-Venning at 360-867-2643 or venninj@co.thurston.wa.us