For Immediate Release

Contact:

Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Environmental Health

(360) 385-9444 x301

Port Townsend –High levels of the potent nerve toxin anatoxin-a were detected in a water sample taken from Anderson Lake on Monday, May 22.  The toxin level is 1.38 micrograms per liter, which is above the Washington State recreational criteria of 1 microgram per liter.  The bloom of bluegreen algae in the lake contains the toxin-producing species Anabaena.  Anatoxin-a can result in illness and death in people and animals.  Washington State Parks has closed the lake for recreation including fishing, boating and swimming.  Visitors are also urged to keep pets out of the water.  The rest of Anderson Lake State Park remains open for hiking, biking and horseback riding.  Lake Leland and Gibbs Lake have not shown signs of bluegreen algae so far this year. 

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has monitored local lakes for bluegreen algae since 2007. Anderson Lake has had closures every year since monitoring began. Last year the closure was exceptionally early starting April 21.  Anderson Lake has been opened for recreational fishing stince April 22 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

To check the status of Jefferson County Lakes and learn more about toxic cyanobacteria monitoring, consult the JCPH website  or call (360) 385-9444. For fishing seasons and regulations see the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Also see this information on visiting Anderson Lake State Park.

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Always working for a safer and healthier community