According to a news release from Public Health – Seattle & King County, the toxic algae found in the three lakes may impact other lakes, ponds and streams in the county. The levels detected could harm humans and are potentially deadly for pets.
Public Health advised: “When in doubt, stay out.” Algae blooms and toxin levels can shift quickly. If you see algae, it may not be toxic, but it’s still best to avoid touching the water. And if you can’t see algae, there may still be toxins.
Similarly, humans can see symptoms like numbness of the lips, and tingling in the fingers and toes, followed by diarrhea and vomiting.
While algae is a natural part of a lake’s ecosystem, blooms can cause a significant threat. And while more common in the summer and fall, warmer temperatures have the blooms sticking around some western Washington lakes. Factors like sunlight, the composition of the lake’s sediment or runoff from human pollution can bring excess nutrients to algae — triggering a bloom.
