Anderson Lake closed due to high toxin levels

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Anderson Lake has been closed after high levels of toxins were discovered in the lake earlier this week.

“Danger – Lake Closed” signs have been posted by Washington State Parks alerting visitors of the hazards.

Until the lake is deemed safe, recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming are prohibited.

High levels of anatoxin-a, a potent nerve toxin, were detected in a water sample taken from Anderson Lake on Monday, May 10.

With a toxin level of 1,396 micrograms per liter, the sample read well above the Washington state recreational criteria of 1 microgram per liter.

When ingested, anatoxin-a can result in illness and death in both humans and animals.

The lake has been associated with canine deaths in the past with the most recent occurring in May 2019 when a dog died shortly after exposure to the waters of Anderson Lake.

Since 2007, Jefferson County Public Health has monitored local lakes for the cyanobacteria that contains toxin-producing species of algae. Anderson Lake has had closures every year since then.

Anderson Lake State Park remains open for other recreational activities, including hiking, biking and birdwatching.

To check the status of Jefferson County lakes and to learn more about toxic cyanobacteria monitoring, visit jeffersoncountypublichealth.org or call 360-385-9444.

Information on visiting Anderson Lake State Park is available at parks.state.wa.us.