CHIMACUM — The deadly blue-green algae bloom in Anderson Lake shows a toxicity level 20 times greater than the level recommended to shut down the popular body of water to public access, a toxicology report reveals.
County health officials took water samples from the lake last week that showed the anatoxin level at 20 parts per billion, according to lab results delivered late Friday afternoon.
“According to the World Health Organization, anything over 1 part per billion, the lake should be closed,” said Mike McNickle, Jefferson County environmental health and natural resources director.
Anatoxin was the neurotoxin found in the highest concentrations in the waters that closed Anderson Lake State Park on Monday.
Neurotoxins affect the nervous systems of animals and humans.
The lab test results come after two dogs died, while another went into convulsions but survived.
The three incidents occurred over the past two weekends after the pets drank the lake’s water.
Two Sequim-area residents also reported they fell ill after eating fish caught in the lake before the algae was discovered.
As of Friday, the county had not received any additional reports of tainted fish that had been eaten.
