Toxic algae is again present in Green Lake.
Seattle Parks & Recreation is warning the public to not swim or water ski in the lake. In a notice posted Friday, it warned residents to keep pets away, stay out of the water, clean fish well and discard of guts, and avoid areas of scum when boating.
The swimming beach is currently closed.
King County Public Health tested the water, discovered toxic algae and informed Seattle Parks, according to the notice.
The county regularly tests the lake water for both toxic algae and bacteria at swim beaches between June and September.
For people, toxic algae that produces nerve toxins and liver toxins can mean skin rash, hives, and itchy eyes and throat, according to the state Department of Health.
For pets, it can mean vomiting, seizures and convulsions that develop within 15 to 20 minutes.
While it’s effectively impossible to identify when a toxic algae bloom may occur, with factors like temperature, water flow, rainfall and lake sediment all playing a role, check for signs indicating that the area is closed to the public.
Even if no signs are posted, take a look at the water. Generally blooms look like a paint spill, slimy scum, foam or growing clumps on the water. Colors vary from blue-green to reddish-brown to “pea soup green,” according to the Washington Department of Ecology.
Material from The Seattle Times archives is included in this report.
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