FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2008

CONTACT: Erik Khambatta, EHS (360) 249-4413

Harmful Algae Bloom – Cohassett Lake a.k.a. Woods Lake

The Grays Harbor County Division of Environmental Health and the Washington State Department of Ecology is advising the public of a harmful algae bloom in Cohassett Lake, also known as Woods Lake or sometimes referred to as Fake Lake.

After recently being alerted to the bloom, a water sample was collected and submitted to the King County Environmental Laboratories. The water was found to have elevated levels of microcystin, a cyanobacterial toxin which poses a health concern to humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Officials will continue to monitor the status of the bloom and collect additional samples until the bloom has dissipated.

Until the collected samples have indicated that the water is safe, officials are advising that the public avoid contact with water containing the algae and to keep pets away from the water.