Potentially toxic bacteria found in South Kitsap's Horseshoe Lake

The Kitsap Public Health District is warning residents to avoid all contact with Horseshoe Lake until further notice due to potentially toxic bacteria in the water.

In a statement Tuesday, the health district said cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, known to produce toxins is present in the South Kitsap lake. Contact with the toxin can make people sick and kill pets or other animals, the health district said. The health district is also asking residents to rinse boats and trailers thoroughly before going to another lake.

No illnesses have been reported at this time. The health district will monitor the situation and post updates as conditions change.

Horseshoe Lake is located in South Kitsap, a few miles west of the Burley Lagoon, and incudes a public beach at the Horseshoe Lake County Park at 15931 Sidney Road.