A Blue Green Algae bloom has returned in Silver Lake, WA. The bloom appeared to have dissipated for a few days, but the Health Department’s Environmental Health Services (EHS) staff confirmed on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 that an active bloom has started again in the lake. Cowlitz Health Department EHS staff have ensured that caution signs are posted around the lake to help inform visitors and residents of the bloom and potential for illness.
Blue Green Algae Bloom - When in Doubt, Stay Out
• Blue green algae toxins can potentially make people and their pets sick so the Health Department advises not to swim or do other water activities in the lake until the bloom has cleared and we remove the signs.
• The caution signs are to inform the public of the current algae bloom so that people can make an informed decision on going into the water. The Health Department will take down the signs when the bloom has dissipated and water samples to measure toxin levels have been tested.
• For more information on Blue Green Algae, visit the Washington State Department of Health website below.