Olympia lake contaminated with fecal bacteria

Think twice before dipping your toe in Olympia’s Ward Lake this Labor Day weekend.

Thurston County Environmental Health says people and their dogs should stay out. There has been a contamination of fecal coliform bacteria.

The city has put out warning signs at community beaches and the public boat ramp.

“We believe that there is some new pollution source that’s causing the problem,” said Arty Starry with Thurston County. “The City of Olympia staff are working with a contractor to evaluate their sewer system [and] storm water system to see if there is some sort of problem or break in the line.

More sampling was underway Friday. The city is testing pipes and also asking residents to check their septic systems for leaks or malfunctions.

The restriction is the first of its kind for Ward Lake.