Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 10/16/2018 04:18 PM PDT
October 16, 2018
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
New cyanobacteria warning issued for Kitsap Lake due to toxic cyanobacteria
Public advised to avoid all contact with lake due to health risks for people and animals
Today the Kitsap Public Health District issued a no-contact advisory for Kitsap Lake due the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria – also known as toxic blue-green algae.
Because toxic cyanobacteria can make people sick, and can kill pets, fish, waterfowl and livestock, the public is advised to:
Avoid all contact with the lake water until further notice. This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes (especially in areas where the algae are concentrated).
Avoid ingesting lake or stream water. If a resident draws lake water for drinking purposes, they are encouraged to drink bottled water until further notice.
Limit access of pets and livestock to the lake.
Avoid consuming fish caught during the algae bloom.
Rinse boats and trailers thoroughly before going to another lake.
No illnesses have been reported to Kitsap Public Health at this time. Warning signs are posted at public-access areas and roadsides around the lake. Residents who live near lakes or people visiting the lake are encouraged to look for cyanobacteria blooms and contact Kitsap Public Health at 360-728-2235 when blooms are observed, or if they notice any of the following conditions:
Large numbers of dead fish in the lake.
Sudden or unexplained sickness or death of a pet cat or dog.
If someone has entered the water and experiences skin rash, dizziness or weakness, respiratory allergy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Grant Holdcroft | Water Pollution Identification and Correction Program Manager Kitsap Public Health District 345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337 (360) 728-2228 Office | (360) 728-2235 Main grant.holdcroft@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org