News Flash Home
The original item was published from 10/22/2018 6:08:00 PM to 10/22/2018 6:33:35 PM.

News Flash

Public Health News

Posted on: October 22, 2018

[ARCHIVED] Toxin Warning at Lake Leland

20181022_ToxinWarning

October 22, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
360-385-9444 x301

TOXIN WARNING AT LAKE LELAND

Leland bloom 20181016Port Townsend  High levels of the toxin microcystin were detected in a water sample taken from Lake Leland on Tuesday, October 16th. The toxin level is 13 micrograms per liter, which is above the Washington State recreational criteria of 6 micrograms per liter. The bloom of bluegreen algae (also known as cyanobacteria) in the lake contains several toxin-producing species of algae, including Aphanizomenon. Microcystin is a liver toxin that can result in illness and death in people and animals. Signs of microcystin poisoning include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in humans and death in animals. It may be hours or days before signs of liver poisoning appear. Warning signs have been posted at the public boat ramp and fishing pier stating the following guidance:

  • Do not swim.
  • Do not drink lake water.
  • Keep pets and livestock away.
  • Clean fish well and discard guts.
  • Avoid contact with algae scum.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has monitored local lakes for cyanobacteria since 2007. Lake Leland has experienced bluegreen algae blooms in the past, but it has been ten years since toxin levels have exceeded state criteria. The bloom on October 16th was patchy, which means it may not be visible in all parts of the lake, however toxins can be present even when the bloom is not visible. Microcystin is known to accumulate in fish livers, and to a lesser extent in muscle tissue. The Washington State Department of Health advises that adults consume no more than two 8-ounce fish fillet meals per week from lakes with microcystin.

To check the status of Jefferson County lakes and learn more about toxic cyanobacteria monitoring, consult the JCPH website, or call (360) 385-9444. 


###

Always working for a safer and healthier community




More Info

Other News in Public Health News

homeowner septic classes

Septic System Classes Offered

Posted on: May 17, 2023
Press Releases (2)

Anderson Lake Closed Due to Toxin

Posted on: April 21, 2023
2023 County Health Ranking

2023 County Health Rankings

Posted on: March 29, 2023
All Species Closure Clam Image

Discovery Bay All Species Closure

Posted on: March 22, 2023
Press Releases (8)

Quilcene Bay Shellfish Advisory Removed

Posted on: October 28, 2022
PSPQuilceneBay20221003

Quilcene Bay Shellfish Closure

Posted on: October 3, 2022
DSC_8351

Oak Bay Shellfish Closure for Biotoxin

Posted on: September 16, 2022
Press Releases (2)

Discovery Bay Shellfish Closure

Posted on: June 27, 2022
Press Release Anderson Lake

Anderson Lake High in Toxin

Posted on: April 29, 2022
Jefferson County Public Health Logo

Opioid Crisis in Jefferson County

Posted on: April 11, 2022
Free tests, masks

Free home test kits, masks

Posted on: February 15, 2022
Public Health Order Update

Public Health Order Update

Posted on: February 11, 2022
February Vaccination Clinics Social Media

Vaccination Clinics in February

Posted on: January 28, 2022
Jan 29 Vaccination Clinic

Vaccination Clinics on January 29

Posted on: January 19, 2022
Care-a-Van Coming to PT

Vaccination Clinics on January 22

Posted on: January 14, 2022
January Vaccination Clinics (1)

Vaccination Clinics Set for January 8 & 15

Posted on: December 27, 2021
20211005 North Beach Sewage Outfall Break Yellow Sign

Sewage Outfall Break at North Beach

Posted on: October 5, 2021
DSC_5462

Discovery Bay Shellfish Closure

Posted on: July 14, 2021
20210513_cyanobacteria bloom tim photo credit anderson lake

ANDERSON LAKE HIGH IN TOXINS

Posted on: May 13, 2021

DISCOVERY BAY SHELLFISH CLOSURE

Posted on: April 9, 2021
20171005_HealthInsSignup

WA Healthplanfinder's Open Enrollment

Posted on: October 5, 2017
ButtonLakeClosedszd

Gibbs Lake Closed Due to Toxin

Posted on: August 17, 2017