Green Lake closed due to toxic algae
Sep 15, 2014, 7:40 AM | Updated: 7:46 am
The Seattle Parks Department has closed Green Lake to people and dogs due to increasing levels of toxic algae. People are asked not to swim in or have contact with the water in the lake. Dogs also should not touch the water, the parks department says. (Seattle Parks Department)
(Seattle Parks Department)
The Seattle Parks Department has closed Green Lake to people and dogs due to increasing levels of toxic algae.
People are asked not to swim in or have contact with the water in the lake. Dogs also should not touch the water, the parks department says.
“Symptoms of illness from contacting the toxins in water are eye, nose, and mouth irritation and skin rash. If accidental contact occurs, use clean water to promptly rinse skin. Swallowing the toxins may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea vomiting and in severe cases liver damage,” says the Seattle Parkways blog.
If any of these symptoms are observed after contact with the water, the parks department says to seek care of a physician or veterinarian immediately.
The King County Department of Natural Resources has been testing the water weekly at various locations around the lake. The parks department says a warm, dry summer has promoted the algae bloom. Such blooms have occurred at Green Lake since 1916, with warnings issued recently in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2012 and in 2013.
The lake remains open to fishing and boating in stable boats, but the parks department says any fish caught in the lake should be thoroughly cleaned.
