Healthy Lakes
The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, Environmental Health Division improves and protects water quality in the many lakes of Thurston County. Through education on lakefront living and technical assistance, Thurston County engages those who live near or enjoy lakes to become active stewards of their lakes, watersheds and environment. We strive to work with residents with the goal of maintaining ecosystem integrity and improving water quality by developing management strategies using the best available science and resources.
The natural aging process, urbanization and climate change can all contribute to diminishing water quality in lakes. Decreases in water quality can significantly impact fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and property values. To support stewardship practices that minimize the impact to water quality, the Environmental Health Division prioritizes helping people understand the lake ecosystems they enjoy, as well as learn about and engage in best management practices for preserving lakes as a resource. In partnership with other Thurston County programs, Lake Groups and State agencies, Environmental Health assists in the development of management plans for and conducts water quality and environmental testing in many of Thurston County's lakes.
There are many wonderful locations to explore with a boat in Thurston County. Ensure to operate your vessel in accordance with the following knowledge.
Boating Safety
Thurston County has specific regulations regarding boating operations and water safety on lakes. Below are some key provisions from Title 16 – Waterways and Vessels.
- Speeds over 5 mph are allowed only from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or official sunset, whichever comes first.
- The maximum speed limit is 45 mph in the open basins.
- After sunset, all crafts must use proper running lights.
- Crafts operating over 5 mph must be at least 200 feet off the shoreline. This must be observed because swimmers and nonmotorized craft tend to gather within the 200-foot safety zone. This rule also reduces the impact of wakes upon shore banks. Thurston County has specific regulations regarding boating operations and water safety on lakes.
- Crafts operating over 5 mph, including personal watercraft or "jet skis," must also remain at least 100 feet away from all other craft and persons.
- All watercrafts must travel in a counterclockwise direction.
- All water skiers must have at least three people: a driver, an observer, and a skier. The observer is required to watch the skier at all times and to use a red or orange flag to signal when a skier is down in the water. All water skiers are required to wear an approved flotation device.
- Personal flotation devices must be on board all watercraft, with one device required for each person and easily accessible. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a personal flotation device at all times if traveling on a vessel that is shorter than 19 feet.
- You must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft legally.
- Must carry a Washington State Boater Education card.
- All personal watercraft (or "jet ski") operators must wear an approved flotation device.
- It is illegal to operate any craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For more information about boater education and safety, visit Boater Education & Safety | Washington State Parks.
Don't forget to check your boat for Eurasian Watermilfoil! Click here for more information from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
No Discharge Zone
The No Discharge Zone is a body of water where boats may not release sewage, whether treated or not. It helps protect public health, water quality, and sensitive resources. No discharge zone (Washington State Department of Ecology)
Pump out, don’t dump out! Boaters, find where to pump out your holding tank with the free Pumpout Nav app.
For additional park info, visit Thurston County Parks.
Kenneydell County Park
Nearly 1,000 feet of shoreline on Black Lake with reservable shelters, from Hwy 101, take Black Lake Blvd south to Black Lake Belmore Rd, continue south to 66th Ave W, then west to the park.
Long Lake Park
A Lacey city park with a great swimming beach and volleyball courts, located off Carpenter Rd near the county fairgrounds.
Millersylvania State Park
An 842-acre camping park on Deep Lake with 3,300 feet of shoreline, exit #95 east and follow signs to the park. For additional park info, see the Washington State Parks Department.
Tenino Quarry Pool
Located behind the old Tenino Stone Company in downtown Tenino at 319 Park Ave W. See City of Tenino
Woodruff Park Spray-ground
The spray-ground is located on Harrison Ave and is open 11:00 am - 08:00 pm from June 1 to Sept. 1
Heritage Park Fountain
"Olympia's swimming pool" located in the heart of downtown Olympia outside the Capitol Building.
Yelm City Park Splash Pad
Located at 115 Mosman Ave SE, the splash pad is open in the summer only
Thurston County Public Health posts algae advisories on its Water Recreation page.
More information about water quality monitoring can be found on the Water Quality Monitoring webpage.
Guidelines for county operations staff who use pest and vegetation control on county-owned property and rights of way.
Water Quality Data from the Storm & Surface Water Utility is available on the Thurston County Rainfall and Water Levels webpage.
Contact Us
The Thurston County PHSS Environmental Health Division is available to answer questions by sharing technical expertise, speaking to your community or group, or by providing training for healthy lake management email eh_lmd@co.thurston.wa.us or call (360) 463-8323.