PORT TOWNSEND — The water-quality warning on Lake Leland north of Quilcene has been upgraded to a “caution” status — which allows recreational use.
Andrew Shogren, Jefferson County environmental health director, said a sample taken this week showed a decline in toxic blue-green algae levels in Lake Leland, which has a county boat ramp for fishing and which partially bounds a residential neighborhood.
“Basically, you can swim in the lake, but watch out for algae scums. Don’t swim in the scums, and don’t drink it,” Shogren said, adding that guts from fish caught in the lake should be discarded before the fish are eaten.
No toxic blue-green algae has been reported in Clallam County lakes.
Clallam County officials do not test for the toxins. Instead, they are monitoring the lakes through visible inspections.
Blue-green algae can produce anatoxin-a, which can cause liver damage or nerve impairment.
