Keep away from swimming at two Pierce County lakes because of poisonous algae

Those planning to swim, fish or waterski in a local lake this week might want to double-check before heading in the water.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued a toxic algae caution advisory Thursday for Lake Whitman and Ohop Lake, both off of State Route 161. Signs about the advisory will be posted at both lakes.

This is the third toxic algae caution advisory that the Health Department has issued in the past two weeks. The other affected areas include Spanaway, Wapato and Tanwax lakes.

The Health Department also issued a toxic algae caution advisory for Palmer Lake in July, and the advisory is still up on the department’s website.

People and pets should avoid areas of the lakes with visible algae blooms, according to the advisory. Toxic algae forms a layer on the surface of the water and usually looks green, but can also look brown, red and blueish.

Exposure to toxic algae can cause muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Small children and pets are most at risk because of their likelihood to ingest lake water, according to the advisory.

Pets that have been exposed to toxic algae can experience lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, difficulty breathing and general weakness.

People and pets can become sick minutes after touching the water, so the Health Department recommends rinsing off immediately and calling a medical provider.

The Health Department sampled Lake Whitman and Ohop Lake on Monday and received the results Thursday. The lake will be tested again next week, but even if the bloom is gone, the advisory will stay up for two weeks out of caution, the Health Department said.