DIS-PATCHES NEARBY: Waughop Lake Closed Because Of Toxic Algae

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department closed Waughop Lake to boating, fishing and swimming because it has toxic algae that could be fatal to pets and possibly people, according to a news release today (Wednesday, Aug. 10).

(Click here to read the news release.)

TPCHD issued a Closed Advisory for Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park due to high levels of toxic algae, the news release stated. Red signs are posted around the lake, noting its serious health risks.

Microcystin, a toxin produced by naturally occurring algae, has more than triple the levels identified by the World Health Organization as posing a high risk for adverse health effects, the news release stated.

"Algae in Waughop Lake have reached levels that could be dangerous for humans and pets," said Dr. Anthony Chen, Director of TPCHD. "Our surface water team regularly monitors the lakes in Pierce County that have historically had problems with toxic algae."

A recent sample of the microcystin had a toxin concentration of 7,082 parts per billion, more than three-and-a-half times the level (2,000 ppb) that poses a health risk. Health officials said if microcystin is ingested by humans, gastrointestinals issues are most likely. Skin and spray contact could also pose a risk.

Lakewood residents Ed and Marlene Anderson noticed the red signs posted around the lake. They've known algae in the lake has been an issue.

"We saw a person fishing in the water the other day," Marlene Anderson said. "This shows how much more serious it is."

The married couple has been taking nature walks around the lake for five years. Ed Anderson said he's seen the lake a lot worse.

"So bad I couldn't see the rocks form the shore," he said.

People glide their motorized hydroplanes on the lake throughout the week. Others fish the lake. The city even considered additional purposes for the lake in a recent Fort Steilacoom Park study.

That has all been put on hold.

Water quality at Waughop Lake became an issue in 1978, according to a Pierce County study. The City of Lakewood took over the management of the site in 2006. The city earned a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to apply calcium hydroxide to the lake on an experimental basis to reduce algae growth.

It didn't work.

Signs around Waughop Lake noted it was under a warning advisory for toxic algae since May 2009. But this is worse.

Waughop Lake is a kettle Lake, fed by storm-water runoff and precipitation with no outfall, making it more prone to algae blooms than others. Health officials believe that, although the weather this summer has been relatively mild, warmer water temperatures like today contribute to increased levels.

The city is considering various treatment options to improve the water quality of the lake, the news release stated.

For more information about toxic algae and the Surface Water Program, click here. You can also sign up to receive surface water advisories electronically by clicking here.