Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 08/27/2019 04:27 PM PDT
Aug. 27, 2019
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
Warning issued for Kitsap Lake due to potentially-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 cyanobacteria warning for Kitsap Lake. The public should to avoid all contact with Kitsap Lake due the presence of potentially-toxic cyanobacteria – also known as blue-green algae.
The swimming beach at Kitsap Lake Park has been closed since July 24 due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water.
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.
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. Kitsap Public Health District will continue to monitor for both cyanobacteria and E. coli and post updates as conditions change.
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