PORT TOWNSEND — Elevated levels of toxic blue-green algae found in Gibbs and Teal lakes has led Jefferson County Public Health officials to warn against drinking or swimming in the water — and if trout are caught in either lake, let them go.
“We are recommend that people who catch fish in these lakes don’t eat them,” said Neil Harrington, county Environmental Health water quality specialist.
Warning signs were posted at the lakes this week.
Results of tests from two other popular Jefferson County lakes, Leland and Anderson, show moderate concentrations of algae.
Both remain open for recreation.
“This weekend is going to be interesting, because we’re going to see warm weather,” said Dr. Tom Locke, health officer for Clallam and Jefferson counties.
No lakes in Clallam County have been tested or found to bear biotoxins. Clallam County officials conduct visual monitoring only, with plans to test only if higher levels of algae scum are reported.
Lab results from water samples taken Monday and returned from a Tacoma lab on Thursday show blue-green aphanizomenon, microcystis and anabaena algae are present in both Gibbs and Teal lakes “at concentrations that warrant a health advisory,” the county said
Specific levels were not available on Thursday, Harrington said.
The county health department recommends closure of lakes when toxic levels reach more than one part per billion.
Algae have the potential to produce toxins that can cause liver damage or nerve impairment.
Anderson Lake, near Port Hadlock, and Leland Lake, a county park shared with privately owned frontage north of Quilcene, remain open to fishing for keepers and for swimming “as long as they stay away from the scum,” Harrington said.
