On Friday, the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department said there is a high level of dangerous algae in Lake Lawrence and recommended avoiding the water.
According to a press release from the department on Friday, scientists with the department took samples of the water at Lake Lawrence on Nov. 19, where they found microcystins—or cyanoginosins—at toxic levels that surpass the threshold for human exposure and public risk.
Because of the holiday season, scientists will be unable to take a sample next week, so they issued a danger warning. Scientists will take samples on a weekly basis after the holidays until they get two consecutive weeks of samples with toxin levels below the threshold. Even if the lake is visibly clear of algae, toxins could remain present…