Water Quality is Important to All of Us

Whether we think about it very often or not, water quality is an essential part of every person’s life. Clean drinking water is necessary to live! Healthy rivers, streams and Puget Sound are important for local wildlife AND essential for our local economy; whether focused on shellfish harvesting, navigable waterways, or tourism. Most of us have a favorite park, river or beach spot where we take our loved ones or go to gather our thoughts and recreate. Healthy water quality is an important part of our overall health as people, and as a community. It’s also one reason why so many of us are grateful to live in this beautiful, water-rich region! Learn more about what you can do to protect water quality in the Thurston Talk article below:

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/11/07/what-can-you-do-to-improve-local-water-quality/

Alert Still In Place: New Summit Lake Results For Friday May 11, 2018

This update is for Friday, May 11, 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 found Anatoxin-a at 0.076 ug/L, below the state advisory level of 1 ug/L. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and which can cause serious illness, or even death. The health alert 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 14th, 2018, with results anticipated Friday, May 18^th.

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.

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. This information line will be updated when lab results are received. 

Toxic Algae Health Warning In Effect for Summit Lake

 County Commissioners
John Hutchings - District One

Gary Edwards - District Two

Bud Blake - District Three

                        

NEWS RELEASE

_______________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, April 27, 2018

CONTACT: 

Media: Gabby Byrne, Public Information Specialist (360) 867-2514 or byrneg @co.thurston.wa.us

Residents: (360) 867-2645

Toxic Algae Health Warning In Effect for Summit Lake

Toxin levels above the level for health concern

OLYMPIA –Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom. A resident at Summit Lake reported an algae bloom on the afternoon of April 24, 2018. Thurston County Public Health and Social Services staff sampled the lake, notified the community via the algae alert email list, and posted a caution sign at the boat launch that same day.

Many residents of the Summit Lake community get their drinking water from the lake. Lab results received today show that the algae bloom is producing unsafe levels of Anatoxin-a. Reports show toxin levels at the sample site are 9.95 micrograms per liter. The state advisory level for Anatoxin-a is 1 microgram per liter. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and can cause serious illness or death.

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services recommends that residents do not drink the lake water. Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin. Public Health advises residents and the public that if their 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 until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks.

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.

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Keep up with the latest lake advisories

Do you have a favorite lake in Thurston County? Do you live on or near one of them? Do you like to visit Thurston County's beautiful lakes for fishing, boating, swimming, or dog-walking? If yes, you should know how to get up-to-date information on toxic algae blooms and other important advisories.

Here are the best ways to get the info:

• Bookmark the Swimming in Thurston County website and always check it out before you head to a Thurston County beach.
• Follow Thurston County Public Health & Social Services on Facebook.
• Sign up for email notifications. You can sign up for notifications about specific lakes or all of them.

For questions or to report an algae bloom or swimming-related illness call: (360) 867-2626

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

Blue-green Algae

                    

Biotoxin Closure in Budd Inlet Expands to Surrounding Areas

The Budd Inlet closure due to a marine biotoxin that causes diarrhetic shellfish poison (DSP) has been expanded. The Washington Department of Health and the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department have closed all beaches to all species of shellfish in Squaxin Passage east from Steamboat Island along Carlyon Beach to Hunter Point, southeast to Cooper Point, east across Budd Inlet to Little Fish Trap, including Boston Harbor and Budd Inlet. Little Fish Trap is approximately halfway between Boston Harbor and Dickerson Point, and lies south of Briscoe Point.

Shellfish sampled from these areas contained DSP biotoxin at levels above the safety limit of 16 micrograms per 100 grams established by the Washington State Department of Health.

Warning signs have been posted at public beaches alerting people not to collect shellfish due to the biotoxin closure. Existing permanent swimming and shellfish harvest closures due to pollution in inner Budd Inlet and near wastewater treatment plant outfalls remain in effect.

Symptoms from DSP can begin from 30 minutes to 12 hours after eating contaminated shellfish. It causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with diarrhea being the most commonly reported symptom. Most symptoms subside within 72 hours.

The DSP biotoxins are produced by naturally occurring algae, and can accumulate in shellfish, making the shellfish unsafe to eat. Marine biotoxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Shellfish harvested commercially that are available in stores and restaurants are tested for toxins prior to distribution, and are safe to eat.

For more information about shellfish closures, call the Washington State Department of Health 24-hour Shellfish Safety Hotline: 1-800-562-5632, or visit the department's shellfish closure map. 

Toxic algae advisories in effect at 5 Thurston County lakes

These advisories are no longer in effect.

Toxic blue-green algae advisories are in effect at Deep Lake, Black Lake, Long Lake, Scott Lake, and Pattison Lake.

When there is a toxic algae bloom, people are advised to:

• Avoid contact with the lake.

• Keep pets out of the water.  

• If fishing, catch and release is the safest practice.

Learn about blue-green algae from this previous blog post, Blue-green Algae Blooms.

A list of advisories is kept up-to-date on the Swimming in Thurston County web page.

If you have questions, contact Jane Mountjoy-Venning: (360) 867-2643, VenninJ@co.thurston.wa.us or Art Starry: 867-2587 StarryA@co.thurston.wa.us. 

Toxic Algae Advisory Posted for Lawrence Lake

This advisory is no longer in place.

A blue-green algae bloom in Lawrence Lake near Yelm has recently produced enough toxin to prompt an advisory for the lake that is now in effect. Swimming in water with algae toxins or drinking it can lead to serious illness, so people and pets are advised to stay out of the water at Lawrence Lake, and anglers are reminded that the safest bet during a toxic algae bloom is to catch and release.

Water samples taken from Lawrence Lake in the last week found the algae toxin Anatoxin-a at 191 micrograms per liter of water—well above the state standard of 1 microgram per liter for recreational water use. Signs will be posted at boat launches and public access points around the lake until tests show the algae toxin levels have dropped below the state standard.

“We’re issuing the algae advisory for Lawrence Lake because toxin levels are quite high. We want people to have this information so they can make informed decisions,” said Art Starry, Director of the county’s Environmental Health Division. “Our advice is for people and pets to stay out of the water until the algae bloom goes away, and that catch-and-release is the best bet for avoiding any algae toxins that can build up in a fish’s system.”

While not all algae blooms are toxic, some algae can produce toxins that can harm the nervous system, the liver, the skin, and the stomach and intestines. Experts from the county’s Environmental Health Division recommend a few simple tips to help prevent illness from algae:

• Avoid swimming, wading, wind surfing and water-skiing in waters where algae blooms are present.

• Don’t drink untreated surface water.

• Keep pets and livestock out of waters with algae blooms.

• When fishing, catch-and-release is the safest practice. If you do eat your catch, clean any fish you catch thoroughly. Before eating, remove the internal organs, which may contain harmful algae toxins.

• Avoid areas of scum when boating and clean your boat thoroughly.

WHAT:    Algae Advisory for Lawrence Lake—No swimming, no pets, no fishing advised

WHEN:    Effective Immediately

WHERE: Lawrence Lake is located about 10 miles south of Yelm. Public boat launch is located at the end of Pleasant Beach Drive SE.

For updates check our Swimming in Thurston County website.

Toxic blue-green algae advisory in effect for Clear Lake

This advisory has been lifted as of 12/09/2014

Swimmers, pet owners, and anglers are advised to avoid contact with Clear Lake due to a toxic blue-green algae bloom. If fishing, the safest practice is catch and release.

A water sample taken from Clear Lake on September 19, 2014 found the algae toxin Microcystin at 10.4 micrograms per liter of water, which is above the state standard of 6 micrograms per liter for recreational water use. Microcystin can cause liver poisoning in people and animals. Symptoms can take hours or days to appear. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in humans and death in animals. 

While not all algae blooms are toxic, some algae can produce toxins that can harm the nervous system, the liver, the skin, and the stomach and intestines. 

Experts from the county’s Environmental Health Division recommend a few simple tips to help prevent illness from algae: 

• Avoid swimming, wading, wind surfing and water-skiing in waters where algae blooms are present. 
• Don’t drink untreated surface water.

• Keep pets and livestock out of waters with algae blooms.

• When fishing, catch-and-release is the safest practice. If you do eat your catch, clean any fish you catch thoroughly if you see algae blooms. Before eating, remove the internal organs, which may contain harmful algae toxins.

• Avoid areas of scum when boating and clean your boat thoroughly.

For more information about toxic algae blooms and other water quality information, visit the Thurston County Environmental Health web page, Swimming in Thurston County.

Toxic Blue-Green Algae Advisory in effect for Black Lake

This advisory has been lifted (08/20/2014)

Swimmers, pet owners, and anglers are advised to avoid contact with Black Lake due to a toxic blue-green algae bloom. If fishing, the safest practice is catch and release.

 

A water sample taken from Black Lake on July 29, 2014 found the algae toxin Microcystin at 162 micrograms per liter of water, well above the state standard of 6 micrograms per liter for recreational water use. Microcystin can cause liver poisoning in people and animals. Symptoms can take hours or days to appear. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in humans and death in animals. 

Warning signs will be posted at public access points, Kenneydell Park, the public boat launch and the community docks across from Black Lake Grocery. The lake will be monitored weekly until the algae bloom is over and the advisory can be lifted.

While not all algae blooms are toxic, some algae can produce toxins that can harm the nervous system, the liver, the skin, and the stomach and intestines. 

Experts from the county’s Environmental Health Division recommend a few simple tips to help prevent illness from algae:

• Avoid swimming, wading, wind surfing and water-skiing in waters where algae blooms are present.

• Don’t drink untreated surface water. 

• Keep pets and livestock out of waters with algae blooms.

• When fishing, catch-and-release is the safest practice. If you do eat your catch, clean any fish you catch thoroughly if you see algae blooms. Before eating, remove the internal organs, which may contain harmful algae toxins.

• Avoid areas of scum when boating and clean your boat thoroughly.
  

For more information about toxic algae blooms and other water quality information, visit the Thurston County Environmental Health web page, Swimming in Thurston County.

Update: Swimming Advisory Removed at Burfoot Park

The swimming advisory at Burfoot Park has lifted. Bacteria levels have improved significantly over the last two weeks.

So get out there and have some fun in the sun!

Swimming Advisory at Burfoot Park Beach

This advisory has been removed.

Thurston County health officials posted swimming advisory signs at the beach at Burfoot Park as a precaution. Recent testing showed elevated levels of bacteria in the water.    

The beach is not closed, but health officials are recommending that people and pets stay out of the water.

“We want park visitors to be aware of the situation and use their best judgment about whether they go in the water or stay dry,” said Art Starry, Director of the county’s Environmental Health Division. “The health risk at Burfoot Beach is relatively low for most people, but there is a slightly higher risk of illness for young children and people with compromised immune systems, so we're reaching out to make sure people can make informed decisions.”

Health officials also recommend that nearby beachfront property owners avoid contact with the water until tests show that bacteria levels have dropped.

All other facilities and areas at Burfoot Park are unaffected and are open to the public, including the trails, picnic areas and playground.   

For more information on protecting yourself, your family and your pets from common swimming and water-borne illnesses, visit Thurston County Environmental Health's website on Swimming Illnesses & Hazards.

For more information about wastewater treatment and how the Washington State Department of Ecology protects and monitors Washington’s waterways, click here.  

10 Tips for Sunscreen Safety

By Elisa Sparkman, Education and Outreach Specialist

Sunscreen is a must-have item for many of us. In my work, I teach kids and adults about chemical ingredients in personal care products (shampoo, lotion, soap, cosmetics, etc) and I often get asked about sunscreen. What kinds of chemicals are in sunscreen? How do I know if a sunscreen is safe or effective? What is SPF?  In response, here are some tips for sunscreen safety.

1) Read the ingredients. Look for the active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin as easily as others and they offer stable and lasting UV protection.

The active ingredient to avoid is a chemical called, oxybenzone. This chemical can trigger allergic reactions on sensitive skin. It soaks through the skin and can reach the bloodstream. The chemical has been linked to disruption of the body’s hormone system and is found in samples of urine and breast milk.

2) Avoid spray sunscreens. They may be easier to apply on little wiggle worms, but spray sunscreens do not provide adequate protection from the sun. Not only do they make it easier to miss spots, but the sprayed mist is easily inhaled by everyone around. Aerosol sprays are harmful to the lungs, especially to those with asthma and other lung diseases, small children, and the elderly. When applying spray sunscreens outside, much of the light spray gets blown in the wind and misses the skin. Lotion sunscreens offer much better protection.

3) Understand SPFs. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Unfortunately, the name is misleading. SPF measures how well the sunscreen blocks UVB rays – the kind of sun ray that causes burns. It does not measure UVA rays, which can cause skin damage and are linked to other health conditions. Look for a product with SPF between 20 and 45 and reapply often.

4) Re-apply often. Sunscreen wears off throughout the day and washes off with sweat and water. For these reasons, moisturizers with SPF are not recommended in place of sunscreen. Moisturizers are intended to be used once a day – sunscreen must be re-applied every two hours or so while in the sun and after swimming or heavy sweating.

5) Don’t forget your scalp. Use a cotton swab to apply sunscreen on the scalp that shows where hair is parted. Dab along the part with the cotton swab and then rub it in with your finger.

6) Wear a hat. Growing up, my mom always tried to get me to wear hats in the sun. I should've listened! I always try to wear one now, especially when I am gardening. Hats add protection to the scalp, ears, face, and sometimes the neck. If you have thinning hair or bald spots, a hat is your best friend on a sunny day.

7) Choose the shade. A great way to limit sun exposure is to settle down in the shade. For example, when picnicking, set up your spot in the shade. Then your group can go back and forth between sun and shade.

8) Skip sunscreens combined with bug repellent. Bug repellents are not usually needed as often, at the same time or in the same places as sunscreen. Most bug repellents should not be applied to the face – but sunscreen should. Bug repellent is usually needed most at dusk.

9) Tanning oils are not sunscreen. If they have sunscreen ingredients, it is not enough to offer adequate protection.

10) Check out the 2014 Guide to Sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group at www.ewg.org/2014sunscreen. You can also search sunscreens on the website using their “Find your sunscreen” database search.

 Remember, skin damage can occur even if there is no evidence of sun burn. Choose your sunscreen wisely, stay out of the direct sun when possible, drink enough water, and most of all - have fun this summer!