Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 06/12/2019 03:30 PM PDT
June 12, 2019
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
No-contact advisory issued for Kitsap Lake due to potentially toxic cyanobacteria
The public is advised to avoid all contact with the water due to potential health risks
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.
There are many different types of cyanobacteria and not all blooms are toxic. The type of algae present at Kitsap Lake is known to produce toxins.
Water samples taken from Kitsap Lake on Wednesday, June 12, have been sent to a lab to determine if the bloom is producing toxins at this time. People should be aware that toxicity conditions can change quickly, and there are increased health risks with cyanobacteria contact.
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 eating 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. Advisory signs will be 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 District 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.
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer Kitsap Public Health District 345 6th St., Suite 300 | Bremerton, WA 98337 (360) 728-2330 Office | (360) 908-8892 Cell pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org
