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Submitted by City of Lacey

Effective Tuesday, August 14, the beach and swimming area at Long Lake Park will be temporarily closed. Currently, water visibility is limited to 3 feet, creating safety issues for swimmers and lifeguards.

Poor water visibility can be a precursor to a blue-green algae bloom. Thurston County Health Department is in the process of testing the water. The algae could make affected areas of the lake unsafe for people and pets.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, a combination of warm temperatures, sunlight, and nutrient-rich waters can cause blue-green algae to reproduce rapidly, known as “blooming.” Blue-green blooms usually float to the surface and can be several inches thick near the shoreline. Some blue-green algae can produce toxins or poisons, potentially causing illness in humans, pets, waterfowl, and other animals that come in contact with it.

For more information, call Marilyn McKenzie, Lacey Parks and Recreation, at 360-491-0857. To learn more about blue-green algae and what to do if you see an algae bloom, visit www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.

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