Toxic Algae Found At Lake Minterwood, Health Department Says

From Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department:

People and Pets Should Keep Out of the Lake

Avoid the water at Lake Minterwood on the Key Peninsula. High toxin levels from toxic algae have made the lake unsafe for people and pets. We’ll let you know when the lake water is safe again.

What are toxic algae?

Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes. They can produce toxins that make people, pets, and animals sick.

How can you spot toxic algae?

Toxic algae can form a scum and look like green pea soup. They can also look streaky, be dispersed in the water column, or form clumps. Algae can have different colors, most often green but also brown, red, and blueish. Wind and weather conditions can change the amount and location of algae.

When in doubt, stay out.

What are the symptoms?

• Muscle weakness.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.

See your medical provider if you have come into contact with water and have any of these symptoms. Little children are most at risk since they have small bodies and are likely to ingest water.

Skin contact with toxic algae can cause irritation or a rash. This is a different rash then that caused by Swimmer's Itch.

How can toxic algae affect my pets?

Pets are at great risk. They have small bodies and are more likely to ingest larger amounts of toxic algae. They drink water with toxic algae and lick their fur. Take your pet to the vet when it shows any of these symptoms.

• Lethargy.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Convulsions.
• Difficulty breathing.
• General weakness.

What should I do if exposed to toxic algae?

You can get sick within minutes to hours of exposure. Rinse off anyone or any pets exposed to toxic algae immediately. Monitor for signs of illness and seek medical treatment if symptoms occur. For exposed pets, keep them from licking their fur to groom.

Can I eat fish from toxic algae contaminated water?

Avoid eating fish from areas with visible algae. Always clean fish well and discard guts.

What should I do if I see an algal bloom?

• Don’t drink lake water.
• Don’t swim or waterski in areas with visible algae.
• Keep pets and livestock away.

When in doubt, stay out!

What causes toxic algae?

Toxic algae need light, the right temperature, and nutrients. People can influence the amount of nutrients in the water. Reduce the amount of fertilizers, maintain your septic system, put your pet waste into the trash.

Questions? Contact Chrissy Cooley at (253) 278-1404 or ccooley@tpchd.org or visit www.tpchd.org/toxicalgae to learn more.