Toxic algae caution issued for Lake Wilderness


January 26, 2013 · Updated 8:43 PM 

Maple Valley has posted caution signs on Lake Wilderness public shoreline due to visible scum formations along the shoreline that may indicate a Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom.

Cyanobacteria blooms can produce toxins that may threaten the health of people and pets if contacted or ingested.

Water sampling has been done and toxicity analysis is underway.

Cyanobacteria are carried around on the water surface by the wind where it can accumulate at the shoreline forming a ribbon or band of scum.

Contact with any visible scum should be avoided.

Young children and dogs are particularly at risk. Young children playing at the shoreline may contact the scum or get it in their mouths and dogs may drink it or lick it off their coats. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and eye or skin irritation. If water with visible scum is contacted or ingested, notify your doctor or veterinary and follow their instructions.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.