Welcome to Skagit County
August 16, 2013
Health Department cautions lake users to avoid areas of intense color and surface scum while swimming and fishing
SKAGIT COUNTY —Some Fidalgo Island lakes are showing signs of significant blue green algae blooms. Erie, Heart, and Campbell lakes all show evidence of bright green surface scum developing. The scum indicates a significant bloom of blue green algae. Blue green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. The lakes will be monitored weekly for blue green algae toxins while the blooms persist. Lake Erie sampling began in July and no toxin levels of concern have been detected at this point. Results on toxin levels in Heart and Campbell should be available in the next two weeks.
Conditions can change
quickly with toxin production so as a precaution people and pets should avoid
swimming in areas of obvious bright green color and scum. Fish should be gutted
and washed well prior to cooking and eating.
For questions, please
e-mail Polly Dubbel at pollyd@co.skagit.wa.us
.