Summit Lake Toxic Algae Alert Still In Effect

This update is for Thursday May 3rd, 2018.

Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom.  Thurston County Health Department issued a health advisory for residents who use the lake for drinking water, recommending that no one should drink the lake water, or use the water for household water uses.  Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin.  

Lab results received today show that the algae bloom is producing high levels of Anatoxin-a. Reports show toxin levels at the sample site are 2.47 micrograms per liter. The state recommends against consuming water with more than 1 microgram per liter of Anatoxin-a. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and which can cause serious illness, or even death.

Public Health advises residents and the public that if your source of water comes from the lake, they should not consume the water, or use it to:

·         Mix formula or other food/drink.

·         Rinse food or do dishes.

·         Brush teeth, or bathe.

In addition, Public Health recommends that people:

·         Do not swim or water ski in the lake.

·         Keep pets out of the lake and do not let them drink lake water.

·         Should not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

The health warning for Summit Lake will remain in place until samples are within safe levels for two consecutive weeks. Testing will continue weekly until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks. A new sample will be taken on Monday, May 7th, 2018, with results expected Friday, May 11^th.

For more information on Summit Lake, visit the Summit Lake Toxic Algae website. For more information about blue-green algae, frequently asked questions, and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website. You can sign up to receive email algae alerts on the website or by calling 360-867-2645. The Health Department also maintains an updated information line for residents at (360) 709-3080.