Submitted by Thurston County
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) latest test result confirmed the toxic blue-green algae bloom in Lacey’s Long Lake is below the health advisory limit; however, some closures and advisories remain in effect.
Long Lake has been closed due to a health advisory for the algae toxin microcystins, a liver toxin. The most recent sample found the toxin was below both the advisory limit for the second week in a row, resulting in the toxic algae advisory being lifted by PHSS.
However, the City of Lacey’s Long Lake Park swimming beach will remain closed due to algae “scum” on the surface and poor water visibility that creates unsafe conditions for swimming at the park. Long Lake Park remains open to the public. The swimming beach will re-open when conditions improve.
PHSS staff are working with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and local community associations to re-open access to the lake.
Additionally, PHSS recommends continued precautions because algae blooms can change at anytime.
- Avoid contact with water containing algae
- Keep pets and livestock out of the water
- Clean fish well and discard guts
- Do not drink water taken from the lake
Algae blooms during the summer months are common and PHSS regularly tests surrounding lakes for the presence of algae and corresponding toxicity levels.
You can learn more about toxic algae blooms and health risks on the Washington State Department of Health’s Blue-Green Algae website, or contact the Thurston County Health Department at 360-867-2626.
