Lake Toxin Status

Some species of cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) can produce toxins harmful to human and animal health. The Jefferson County Water Quality Department monitors the following lakes for harmful blooms:

These lakes have a history of toxic cyanobacteria blooms, are monitored weekly in spring and summer and sampled for toxins monthly if blooms are visible. Other lakes are monitored as time and budget allow. Laboratory results are generally obtained by Friday and lake status is updated on this page. View the Cyanotoxin Hazards page for more information about toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

Lake
Date Last Observed
Status
Notes
Anderson Lake
May 22, 2023
Danger - Keep Out of Lake
- Heavy bloom with scum
- Toxic algae dominant
- Toxin level high
- History of toxic blooms & animal deaths
Gibbs Lake
May 22, 2023
Toxic Algae Info
- Bloom no longer visible
- Toxins not detected April 24th
- History of previous blooms
Lake Leland
May 22, 2023
Toxic Algae Info
- No bloom visible
- History of previous blooms
Crocker Lake
May 22, 2023 Toxic Algae Info
- No bloom visible
- History of previous blooms
Silent Lake
August 29, 2022
Clear
- No recent observations
Tarboo Lake
April 17, 2023
Clear
- No bloom visible
Sandy Shore
April 30, 2023
Clear
- No bloom visible
Teal Lake
June 13, 2022
Clear
- No recent observations








Lake conditions can change rapidly and lake status may have changed since the last sample was taken. Sampling is only done at one access point on the lake and conditions may be different elsewhere on the same lake. Regardless of what is posted here, if you observe a green paint-like scum or bloom on a lake follow the recommendations listed at the warning level. If you observe a bloom in a Jefferson County lake, please report it by calling 360-385-9444.

What the Status Sign Means

Clear Lake icon
Clear
No toxins detected in sample, no toxic species present and no bloom visible. Note: there is no sign posted when the lake is clear.
333-271-ToxicAlgaeInfoSign

Toxic Algae Info
When in doubt, STAY OUT!

  • Toxic algae blooms happen in this lake
  • Avoid areas of scum
333-273-ToxicAlgaeWarningSign

WARNING
TOXIC ALGAE PRESENT
Lake unsafe for people and pets 

  • Do not swim or water ski.
  • Do not drink lake water.
  • Keep pets and livestock away.
  • Clean fish well and discard guts.
  • Avoid areas of scum when boating.

Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your animals have sudden or unexplained sickness or signs of poisoning

333-272-ToxicAlgaeDangerSign

DANGER
KEEP OUT OF LAKE

Lake closed due to toxic algae

Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your animals have sudden or unexplained sickness or signs of poisoning.