Toxic Algae Forces Spanaway Lake Closure

Photo byKrišjānis KazaksonUnsplash

Spanaway Lake has closed following the detection of high levels of toxic algae, the Washington State Department of Health announced on Tuesday.

DOH officials say the department made the decision to shutter the lake after issuing a caution advisory last week following new tests, which revealed even higher toxin levels mandated a closure.

Such levels increase risk of illness, especially in children and pets, the DOH reports. Warning signs have been posted at the lake accordingly, department officials say.

Toxic algae or cyanobacteria is a naturally occurring organism in lakes that can produce toxins that make people, pets, and animals sick.

The DOH will inspect Spanaway Lake once again next week, according to the department.

The closure will stay put for at least two more weeks out of "an abundance of caution," the DOH reports, regardless of whether the algae bloom is gone.