Duck Lake getting better

Just in time for Paddle the Shores, Duck Lake is improving. From the County:

News Release:  Harmful Algae Bloom in Duck Lake Dissipating 

 Lower levels of toxic algae continue in Duck Lake, Ocean Shores.  Updated lab results for toxic Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) indicate that the toxin levels are still present, but at very low levels.  Caution signs will remain posted until one week of low levels have been tested (two consecutive weekly samples) and no visible blooms are present. 

A CAUTION advisory sign is intended to provide the public with information that a public health hazard might exist. In Washington, local jurisdictions have the authority to post advisories on water bodies within their districts (RCW 70.05.070). If the bloom dissipates, the LHJ should remove the sign. If the bloom remains but microcystin levels are below 6 μg/L and/or anatoxin-a levels are below 1 μg/L, the CAUTION sign should remain posted. If the sample contains microcystin values equal to or greater than 6 μg/L and/or anatoxin-a values equal to or greater than 1 μg/L, move to Tier II (Warning Sign).

Until the collected samples have indicated that the water is safe, officials are advising that the public avoid contact with water containing the algae and to keep pets away from the water.  

Because exposure to blue-green algae can cause disease, public health officials continue to recommend:

·            No swimming or wading

·            No water skiing, wind surfing or sail boarding

·            No water contact for animals

·            Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing; avoid going through blooms

·            Eating fish out of the lake is considered safe as long as organs like liver and kidney, the organs where toxins can build up, are carefully removed and not consumed.

If you or your animals accidentally get into a blue-green algae bloom, wash with fresh water and soap after skin contact, and avoid swallowing or inhaling water. Be sure to rinse all swimming suits and other wet clothing well as the bloom can become trapped in the material. Wash animals’ fur thoroughly before they start to groom themselves.

Predictability of blooms

Although blooms can occur anytime, they are more common in warmer summer/fall weather. They may follow a heavy rainfall event after a long dry period (i.e. many nutrients are washed into the lake from storm water).

Blooms can cover large or small portions of the lake. 

Blooms move from day to day due to wind/currents. 

There can be multiple blooms on the lake at one time at varying stages of maturity. 

Blooms can change from non-toxic to toxic. 

* Boiling or chlorinating water will not make the water safe. 

What can I do about it?

Algae blooms are likely to occur during sunny, calm weather when high concentrations of nutrients are present in the water. Two important nutrients algae require for growth are phosphorous and nitrogen. These are found in animal and human waste (sewage) and in fertilizers. Excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus may lead to рnutrient loadingс in a lake, which may eventually lead to an algae bloom.

To help decrease nutrient loading:

1.       Maintain or restore native plants around lake shorelines and streams that feed the lake. Native wetland plants help filter water and do not require pesticides or fertilizers for maintenance.

2.       Be cautious with lawn and plant fertilizers and pesticides. Do not over-water, over-fertilize, or use more than the recommended amount of pesticides.

3.    Use proper care and maintain your septic system. Damaged septic systems are a source of nutrient loading into nearby water. Have your system pumped and inspected every 3-5 years.

4.    Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas. Do not allow livestock to drink or defecate in streams or lakes. Do not feed waterfowl.

5.    Take steps to prevent erosion around construction and logging operations. Erosion can carry nutrient-rich soil into nearby lakes.

Eric B. Khambatta

Environmental Health Specialist II

Grays Harbor County Department of Public Services

Environmental Health Division

100 W Broadway, Suite 31

Montesano WA 98563

Ph:  360.249.4413

Fax:360.249.3203