Stay away from toxic algae at this Key Peninsula Lake, health department warns

Watch out for poisonous algae if you’re thinking of visiting Palmer Lake in Key Peninsula.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a caution advisory for the lake Thursday, warning people and pets to stay away from visible algae.

“When you see algae, don’t swim, wade, waterski, or fish. Keep in mind as wind direction changes, the algae could move elsewhere in the lake. When in doubt, stay out!” the release says. Advisory signs are posted at the lake.

Toxic algae or cyanobacteria grow naturally in fresh water with the right light, temperature and available nutrients, according to the health department . These algae blooms can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick if contaminated water is touched or swallowed.

The release says symptoms can include muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea or nausea for people. For pets, symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, difficulty breathing and general weakness. Kids and pets are especially vulnerable because they have smaller bodies and are more prone to swallowing contaminated water.

Toxic algae can look like “green pea soup,” the health department release says. It can also be other colors including turquoise, red, yellow, brown or white. It can form a layer of scum, streaks on the surface or specks or clumps either floating freely in the water or attached to the ground below, according to the health department brochure .

The health department sampled Palmer Lake on Aug. 26 and will take another look next week. If the algae is gone, they’ll continue the advisory for another two weeks just to be safe.

To help prevent toxic algae, the health department recommends decreasing fertilizer use, maintaining septic systems and discarding pet waste into the trash, the release says.

A full list of health department advisories is available at tpchd.org/advisories . Anyone with questions can contact the Surface Water Program at ehsurfacewater-shellfish@tpchd.org.