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SKAGIT COUNTY - Water from Pass Lake was sampled on October 18, 2012 after state park rangers observed a suspicious algae bloom in the lake. Preliminary results confirm that the blue-green algae toxin Anatoxin-a is present at a level of public health concern. Toxins produced by blue-green algae can cause illness in animals and humans.

Please take the following precautions for Pass Lake until further notice:
- Do not swim
- Do not drink lake water
- Keep pets and livestock away
- Avoid areas of scum when boating

Fishermen using belly or pontoon boats need to take extra precautions:
- Avoid bare hand, face, and mouth contact with water, particularly in areas of scum
- Wash hands and rinse waders well after fishing

In late summer and fall three other Fidalgo Island lakes: Heart, Erie, and Campbell, were showing evidence of blue-green algae blooms. Toxin levels in Heart and Erie have remained very low or below the level of detection for the past month. Visual evidence of the bloom is clearing in both of these lakes and the Caution for use has been lifted. Campbell Lake also appears to be clearing although it remains at the Caution level pending further sample results.

For questions, please call Polly Dubbel at 360-419-3404.