Toxic algae bloom prompts health warning at Offutt Lake 

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is urging caution at Offutt Lake due to a toxic algae bloom detected on October 16, 2024. Lab results revealed Microcystin toxin levels at 30 ug/L, significantly exceeding the state recreation guideline of 8 ug/L.  

Microcystins, a liver toxin and potential human carcinogen, pose a health risk to humans, livestock and pets that may drink the water. Contact with contaminated water can cause illness. While Anatoxins, another common toxin, were not detected, PHSS emphasizes that toxins may persist even if the water appears clear. 

PHSS lists these guidelines:

• Do not drink the lake water.  

• Avoid contact with water-containing algae.  

• Avoid swimming, wading, windsurfing, and water-skiing in waterbodies where algae blooms are present.  

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

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

• Avoid areas of scum when boating. 

Offutt Lake boat launch will be marked with warning signs. PHSS will continue to monitor the situation and collect weekly samples.

Staff will collect the samples continually for two weeks until the microcystin levels are below state recreational guidelines. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Our human editorial team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.