The level of the toxin microcystin found in Lake Leland recently is nearly three times the safety limit set by the state of Washington, prompting Jefferson County Public Health to issue a toxicity warning. A sample taken on Sept. 16 indicated the presence of nearly 17 micrograms per liter, which is above the Washington State recreational maximum of 6 micrograms, according to a press release. The toxin is secreted by bluegreen algae, which is blooming in the lake. Microcystin is a liver toxin which can result in illness and death in people and animals. Signs of microcystin poisoning include abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting in humans and death in animals. It may be hours or days before signs of liver poisoning appear. Warning signs have been posted at the public boat ramp and fishing pier at Lake Leland. The Washington State Department of Health advises adults consume no more than two 8-ounce fish fillet meals per week from lakes with microcystin. Microcystin is known to accumulate in fish livers, and to a lesser extent in muscle tissue. Lake Leland had a similar bloom in October 2018. In May, Lake Anderson was closed to public recreation after a sample indicated the presence of Anatoxin-a at almost 5,000 times the state’s acceptable level for recreation: one microgram per liter. Anatoxin-a and microcystin are distinct toxins. To check the status of Jefferson County lakes and learn more about toxic cyanobacteria monitoring, visit www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/723/Lake-Status or call 360-385-9444.