Toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms can make people sick and kill animals. 



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public health news
*May 6, 2025* *Información en español* [ [link removed] ]

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cyanobacteria warning sign
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Cyanobacteria: How to stay safe at the lake

"*Toxic cyanobacteria [ [link removed] ] (blue-green algae) blooms can make people sick and kill animals. *"

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It’s a beautiful, sunny day and you’re excited to play at the lake. As you walk to the shore, you notice green scuzz on the water that looks like spilled paint. There’s a yellow sign on the dock that says, “Warning: Toxic algae present. Lake unsafe for people and pets.” 

What is that green stuff in the water? 

_Cyanobacteria_ [ [link removed] ] (blue-green algae) are bacteria that grow naturally in water. Colorful cyanobacteria blooms sometimes appear in local lakes. Blooms can make the water look cloudy or form layers of scum on the water’s surface that look like blue, green, gray or orange paint. Blooms are more common during warm weather but can happen at any time.

*Some cyanobacteria blooms produce toxins that can make people sick and **_kill animals_* [ [link removed] ]*.* That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for algae blooms and other health hazards and be aware of public health advisories [ [link removed] ].

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Examples of cyanobacteria blooms

Examples of cyanobacteria blooms in local lakes.

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Stay safe at the lake 

Before your day at the lake, make sure to:


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*Keep an eye out for algae blooms and other health hazards.* Do not go in the water if you notice unusual colors, scum, or dead fish or animals. You can report cyanobacteria blooms and other potential health hazards _online _ [ [link removed] ]or by calling 360-728-2235.


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*Check for current lake and swimming beach advisories* at _kitsappublichealth.org/beaches_ [ [link removed] ]. Sign up to receive advisories by email or text at _kitsappublichealth.org/subscribe_ [ [link removed] ].


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*Watch for cyanobacteria (toxic algae) warning signs* posted at beaches, docks, and other public access points. During a cyanobacteria bloom:


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Avoid contact with water in the lake and wash your skin thoroughly if you have contact with lake water.


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Keep pets and livestock out of the water.


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If you choose to eat fish caught during a cyanobacteria bloom, remove all fat, skin and organs from the fish and rinse fillets thoroughly.

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Cyanobacteria warnings 

When you get to the lake, keep an eye out for warning signs at public docks.

Kitsap Public Health investigates reports of cyanobacteria in lakes with public access. If samples show cyanobacteria in the lake are potentially toxic, we post warning signs at docks, beaches, and other access points, post updates to our website, and send out _email and text notifications_ [ [link removed] ].

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Cyanobacteria subscribe [ [link removed] ]
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Preventing cyanobacteria 

While cyanobacteria blooms occur naturally, there are steps you can take to help prevent blooms.  

Nutrients from landscaping products like fertilizer and lawn additives can wash into the water and contribute to cyanobacteria blooms. You can help prevent blooms by using natural landscaping products and controlling runoff from your property. Learn more at cleanwaterkitsap.org [ [link removed] ]. 

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Swimming beach monitoring 

In addition to responding to cyanobacteria reports, Kitsap Public Health monitors popular fresh and saltwater swimming areas for fecal bacteria from late May through early September. Fecal bacteria are a sign that there is pollution from human or animal poop in the water. This pollution can carry bacteria, viruses, and other germs that make people sick.  

When bacteria levels are high, we post warning signs at swimming beaches, post swimming beach advisories on our website, and send out email and text notifications. Visit our website to learn more about swimming beach monitoring [ [link removed] ] and check for current beach and lake advisories [ [link removed] ]. If a swimming beach is not listed on the water contact advisory page, there is no current advisory for that beach. 

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More resources 

* Cyanobacteria [ [link removed] ] | Kitsap Public Health
* Toxic Algae [ [link removed] ] | NW Toxic Algae
* Cyanobacteria [ [link removed] ] | Washington State Department of Health
* Natural Yard Care Guide [ [link removed] ] | Kitsap County
* Water Contact Advisories [ [link removed] ] | Kitsap Public Health

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*Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer*
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | 360-728-2235 - main
[email protected] | kitsappublichealth.org [ [link removed] ]

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