Report an Algae Bloom 

When there is an algae bloom present or you suspect that an algae bloom is occurring, we recommend extra precautions be taken to avoid the health risks posed by potential toxins.

• Do not drink the lake water.

• Avoid contact with water containing algae. Do not swim or water ski in areas with algae.

• Keep pets and livestock away from areas where algae blooms are present.

• When fishing, use only catch-and-release of any fish caught during an algae bloom.

• Do not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

• Avoid areas of scum when boating.

You can learn more about toxic algae blooms and health risks at www.nwtoxicalgae.org or call 360-867-2626.

Lake Advisory Email Sign-Up

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are substantial growths of algae and/or growth of toxin producing algae in a waterbody. Blooms most commonly occur in the warmer months, when light, temperature and nutrients in the water are optimal for growth, however blooms can occur at any time of year and not all are toxic. The bloom may disappear after one to two weeks, but if conditions are right, another bloom can occur and quickly replace the previous one and continue for several months. These blooms can cause significant harm to living creatures and disrupt the economic and social life of humans.

Climate change and increased nutrient pollution are causing these events to be more frequent, severe, and to occur in locations not previously seen. The effort of all communities will be needed to lessen this issue.

Eutrophication – This term describes a process that occurs when an environment becomes enriched in nutrients, causing a growth of algal blooms and plants in the waterbody. As the excessive number of algae and plants die off, oxygen becomes depleted and carbon dioxide is produced. The consumption of oxygen can create zones of water that are inhospitable for aquatic life. In other words, these species must be able to leave these zones, or die.

Toxins – The understanding of effects and development of action levels for algal toxins is an emerging development.  Just as there are a variety of algal types, there are also many toxins to be studied and examined. It is necessary to note that not all algae types produce a toxin. With that said, Harmful Algal Blooms can cause sever health effects in humans and wildlife. Below is a list of commonly found algal blooms and associated toxins.

Too Dense – When a bloom becomes extremely dense there are a variety of impacts to life, the environment, and the economy. These impacts could include the following: Prevent sunlight from entering the water column, clog gills, cause fishing and shellfish loss, impact the health of humans and wildlife, negatively impact tourism, increase the treatment cost of water, and even lower waterfront property values.

It is not possible to know if an algal bloom is harmful just from visually looking at it. Only laboratory tests can determine if an algae bloom is toxic. Protect yourself and others by being cautious and by learning to identify visual algae blooms. Below you can find a list of characteristics to look for and a few visual examples to help you identify a bloom:

Watercolor: Blue, Green, Brown, Yellow, Orange, Red

Visual Appearance: Foam, Mats, Scum, Spilled Paint

Reducing nutrient pollution to waterbodies is the key action you can take to reduce these blooms. A few ways are detailed below:

• Pick up after your pets and encourage others to do the same.
• Prevent livestock from entering the water and agriculture waste runoff.
• Reduce fertilizers and apply them at times to avoid runoff.
• Maintain your septic system.
• Plant native species to reduce erosion and runoff.
• Utilize water efficient equipment to reduce wastewater generated.
• Educate your community!

• Children usually weigh less than adults, so a smaller amount of the toxin may make them sick and the toxin may affect a child's liver or central nervous system more than it would an adults. Children may also be at greater risk than adults because they may not be aware of any health risks due to a toxic bloom and may swallow water accidentally while swimming.
• People who fish may have a higher risk. Toxins can accumulate in fish tissues, especially in the viscera (liver, kidneys, etc.). Concentrations in the tissues would depend on the bloom and toxin severity where the fish was caught.
• Pets and wildlife are likely to ingest algae when they drink water or lick their fur after swimming in a lake or pond with toxic algae. If toxins are being produced at the time animals can become very ill and even die. Dogs can be exposed to toxins by licking their fur after swimming. Don't let pets or livestock swim or drink in areas where there is a scum or mat of algae on the water. If they do swim in such areas, rinse them off as soon as you can.

Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans). While the parasite’s preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash. Swimmer’s itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months.

Symptoms

• tingling, burning, or itching of the skin
• small reddish pimples
• small blisters

Within minutes to days after swimming in contaminated water, you may experience these symptoms. Scratching the areas may result in secondary bacterial infections. Itching may last up to a week or more but will gradually go away.

Because swimmer’s itch is caused by an allergic reaction to infection, the more often you swim or wade in contaminated water, the more likely you are to develop more serious symptoms. The greater the number of exposures to contaminated water, the more intense and immediate symptoms of swimmer’s itch will be.

Be aware that swimmer's itch is not the only rash that may occur after swimming in fresh or salt water.

Treatment

Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require medical attention. If you have a rash, you may try the following for relief:

• Use corticosteroid cream
• Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
• Bathe in Epsom salts or baking soda
• Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths
• Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency)
• Use an anti-itch lotion

Though difficult, try not to scratch. Scratching may cause the rash to become infected. If itching is severe, your health care provider may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to lessen your symptoms.

CDC - Cercarial Dermatitis

How to Prevent Swimmer's Itch

Swimmer’s itch generally resolves on its own without lasting health effects, although it can cause discomfort. Common symptoms include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Individuals are advised to avoid scratching the affected area, as this may lead to secondary infection. In cases of severe itching, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription-strength creams or lotions to alleviate symptoms.

Follow these steps to reduce your likelihood of getting swimmer’s itch: 

• Choose not to swim in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water.
• Choose not to swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Apply water-proof sunscreen to your body before entering the water to both protect you from the sun and reduce the ability of the parasite to attach to the skin.
• Do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.