Swimming in Lake Tapps? Concern over toxic algae continues

Health officials say a caution advisory at Lake Tapps remains in effect after the swimming area closed over concerns of toxic algae.

They are asking swimmers to avoid areas where there is visible algae.
 
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department staff checked seven locations around Lake Tapps on Thursday and found a small area of algae located adjacent to the Inlet Island bridge roadway.

Results from a collected sample should come back from a laboratory on Sept. 2.

TPCD Health says algae is capable of producing toxins, and that swimmers should avoid areas with visible algae.

The lake was closed to swimmers in mid-August, when some people reported they were sickened swimming.

“We are investigating the potential link between the toxic algae bloom and the symptoms people have reported, but there is no definitive laboratory test for toxic algae illness,” Brad Harp, water resources program manager, wrote on August 18.

People who were sick reported symptoms that are consistent with ingestion of microcystin, a toxin produced by several genera of cyanobacteria, including Oscillatoria. The illnesses occurred in people ages 2 to 48 years; they all recovered within 48 hours

Cox Media Group