HomeMy WebLinkAbout101925 TOXIN WARNING AT CROCKER LAKE for Jefferson County_ WAALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
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September 19, 2025
TOXIN WARNING AT CROCKER LAKE <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1615>
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Dawson
Water Quality Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
(360) 385-9444
Port Townsend, WA – Elevated levels of the toxin microcystin were detected in a water sample taken from Crocker Lake on Monday, September 15th. Test results were received from the laboratory
on Wednesday, September 18th, showing that the toxin level exceeds the Washington State recreational guidance value of 8 micrograms. Exposure to microcystin can result in illness and
death in people and animals when ingested, even in small amounts. Skin rashes from contact with scum are also possible. A Warning sign was posted at the public boat ramp off of highway
101 stating that the lake is not safe for people or pets. Water-based recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming are not recommended until the bloom dissipates and
the toxin level declines.
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has monitored local lakes for cyanobacteria since 2007, and Crocker Lake is monitored each Monday from April through October. Crocker Lake has had
toxic algae blooms in the past, but blooms are not a regular, annual occurrence there. In addition to Crocker Lake, Anderson Lake has been closed due to toxins since April 30th, 2025.
Light blooms have been observed in Gibbs Lake and Lake Leland, but no toxins were detected in the last samples collected there.
To check the status of Jefferson County Lakes and learn more about toxic cyanobacteria monitoring, consult the JCPH website at www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/723/Lake-Status or
call (360) 385-9444. For fishing seasons and regulations, see the WDFW website www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing. Information on visiting Anderson Lake State Park is available at parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state
-parks/anderson-lake-state-park. To check other lakes in Washington State, see www.nwtoxicalgae.org.
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Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community
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