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615 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org
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360-385-9400 360-385-9444
360-385-9401 (f) (f) 360-379-4487
August 17, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Michael Dawson
Jefferson County Environmental Health
(360) 385-9444
GIBBS LAKE CLOSED DUE TO TOXIN
Port Townsend – High levels of the toxin microcystin
were detected in a water sample taken from Gibbs Lake
on Monday, August 14. The toxin level is 9.5 micrograms
per liter, which is above the Washington State
recreational criteria of 6 micrograms per liter.
Microcystin is produced by bluegreen algae, also known
as cyanobacteria, and can result in illnesses in people and animals. As a result, Jefferson County Parks
and Recreation has closed the lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors are also urged to keep
pets out of the water. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has posted closure signs at lake access
points. The rest of Gibbs Lake County Park remains open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
JCPH has monitored local lakes for bluegreen algae seasonally since 2007. Monthly monitoring of
Anderson, Gibbs, and Leland lakes began in April of this year. Anderson Lake closed in May due to high
levels of Anatoxin-a, another toxin produced by cyanobacteria. No toxins were detected in Lake Leland
on August 7. Lake conditions can change rapidly and lake status can change between samples. JCPH
urges recreationists to avoid contact with heavy blooms or scums. If you observe a bloom in a Jefferson
County lake, please report it by calling (360) 385-9444.
To check the status of Jefferson County Lakes and learn more about toxic cyanobacteria monitoring,
consult the JCPH website or call (360) 385-9444. For fishing seasons and regulations see the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Also see this information on visiting Gibbs Lake County Park.
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Jefferson County Public Health
Always working for a safer and healthier community