HomeMy WebLinkAbout050126 - Press Release from JCPH_ ANDERSON LAKE CLOSED DUE TO TOXINSPort Townsend, WA – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) staff took a water sample at Anderson Lake on Monday, April 27, and the results showed that elevated levels of the potent nerve
toxin anatoxin-a were present. JCPH received test results from the laboratory on Thursday, April 30, and the toxin level is more than 200 times higher than the Washington State recreational
criteria. Exposure to anatoxin-a can result in illness and death in people and animals when ingested, even in tiny amounts. Staff first observed cyanobacteria in the lake on April 6,
however a heavy bloom wasn’t visible until this week. Washington State Parks has posted “Danger – Keep Out of Lake” signs at access points to the park alerting visitors of the hazard.
Water-based recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming are prohibited until the bloom dissipates and the toxin levels decline. Anderson Lake State Park remains open
for other recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
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 <http://www.jefferso
ncountypublichealth.org/723/Lake-Status> or call 360-385-9444. For fishing seasons and regulations, see the WDFW website www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing <http://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 <https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/anderson-lake-state-park>
. To check other lakes in Washington State, see www.nwtoxicalgae.org <http://www.nwtoxicalgae.org> .
To read the full press release on our website, visit: ANDERSON LAKE CLOSED DUE TO TOXINS <https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/1719>
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Sincerely,
Lara Cittadini, RN
Pronouns <https://lgbtq.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/RAIN%20Adding%20Pronouns%20to%20Your%20Signature%20Line%20FAQ.pdf> : she/her
Community Health Improvement Program Manager
Jefferson County Public Health
615 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-385-9448
LCittadini@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:LCittadini@co.jefferson.wa.us> | https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Jefferson County
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