Warm, dry weather: The perfect time for a trip to the lake…and stinky lake algae?

There are more than 500 lakes in King County, and possibly just as many good reasons for visiting one.

A refreshing dip in a cool lake on a hot summer day is one of the great perks of living in the Pacific Northwest – unless that lake is coated with masses of slimy, stinky algae.

Algae occur naturally in some lakes during the warmer summer months when there’s just the right mixture of ample sunlight, warmer water temperature and nutrients.

This year, King County Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) staff have cataloged algae blooms in lakes Sammamish, Washington, Horseshoe, Hicks, Wilderness, Walker and Echo.

Many algae varieties are simply a nuisance. Others might smell bad as they decompose in windrows along beaches, and still others can be harmful if swallowed by people or pets.

The WLRD’s Lake Stewardship Group has developed information about various types of algae that might be encountered on county lakes. These employees work with other County staff and state agencies to ensure public health by monitoring water quality, analyzing data and sharing their findings with other governments and the public.

King County helps protect public health by testing water quality in our region’s lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries and Puget Sound. Staff work with Public Health – Seattle & King County to post any lake where water quality sampling verified the presence of harmful toxic algae.

Learn more about King County lake management and current algae blooms at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/lakes/lake-news/2010/august/03-summer-algae-blooms.aspx.

Related information

Algae blooms

King County Water and Land Resources