THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Thurston County Public Health Officials are warning residents not to drink or even touch the water at Summit Lake because of a toxic algae bloom.
Many people who live on the lake use it for drinking water, but health officials say boiling, filtering or other methods of treating the water won’t remove the toxin.
A resident at Summit Lake reported an algae bloom on the afternoon of April 24.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services staff sampled the lake, and test results from Friday found toxin levels are nine times the limit for safe exposure. Officials then notified the community and posted a caution sign at the boat launch the same day.
KIRO 7 looked up the toxin and found it can cause serious illness and can be deadly at high levels.
Public health officials say that those whose water comes from the lake should not consume the it or use it to:
• Mix formula or other food/drink.
• Rinse food or do dishes.
• Brush teeth, or bathe.
• 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.
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.