Welcome to Skagit County
October 15, 2013
Health Department cautions Big Lake users to avoid areas of intense color and surface scum while recreating in the lake.
SKAGIT COUNTY -Big Lake
is showing signs of a significant blue green algae bloom. Intense green scum
with intermittent white patches has been seen on the lake off and on for the
past two weeks. The scum indicates a significant bloom of blue green algae.
Blue green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.
The lake is being monitored weekly for blue green algae toxins while the bloom
persists. No toxins were detected in the water sample submitted October 7
but conditions can change quickly with toxin production. As a precaution people
and pets should avoid contact with areas of obvious intense green or white
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
.