Bright green scum has appeared along the north shore of American Lake this week, and Lakewood is not taking any chances. City staff quickly posted warning signs at the newly opened boat launch and along the swim beach after visitors reported a pea-soup green film clinging to the shoreline. Officials have confirmed it as a winter algae bloom and are urging the public to steer clear of the discolored water while testing is underway.
City Sends Samples To County Health Department
In an interview with The News Tribune, city communications manager Kelie Kahler said Lakewood is working with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to test water samples for possible cyanobacteria, with results expected as soon as next week. The city has posted bold signs reading “Watch out for toxic algae!” at the boat launch and other northern access points. Until those lab results come back, officials are urging people not to swim, boat, or let pets near any visible algae.
Health Department: Steer Clear Of Water With Visible Algae
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department warns that some freshwater algae, often called cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins that make people and pets sick. Any water that looks like scum, floating mats, or a paint spill should be off-limits for swimming, wading, and pet access, the agency says. Reported symptoms from exposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Anyone who comes into contact with suspicious water is advised to rinse off right away and seek medical or veterinary care if illness develops. The department maintains an online list of surface water advisories and testing guidance.
Not The Same Problem The City Treats In Summer
Lake managers say the bright green surface scum is not the same issue as Eurasian milfoil, the invasive aquatic weed the city usually tackles in mid-summer. City of Lakewood documents show that milfoil is typically treated during the summer, while aquatic-vegetation surveys are carried out in spring and fall to shape those efforts. Those routine surveys and treatment windows are used to plan herbicide or manual removal work, which is separate from the toxicity testing now underway for this algal bloom.
State: Lab Tests Are The Only Way To Know If It Is Toxic
The Washington Department of Ecology notes that many algal blooms are harmless, although some cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are difficult to predict without laboratory testing. The agency advises residents to avoid water with visible scum and points people to statewide monitoring tools and testing resources. Local authorities base closure and advisory decisions on lab results, Ecology says, and a mix of nutrient runoff and weather patterns makes these blooms tough to forecast.
How The Lake Is Managed And Who Pays
American Lake is overseen by an advisory committee whose 2025 annual work plan budgets $23,600 for surveys, invasive-weed control, and administrative costs. The plan includes a non-voting representative from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and outlines spring and fall surveys along with summer treatment windows that guide when crews or contractors apply control measures. Because the lake crosses multiple jurisdictions, the city coordinates treatment and testing with partner agencies when needed.
What To Watch For And Where To Get Updates
For now, officials say to keep pets and children away from the affected shoreline, avoid touching or ingesting the water, and rinse off promptly if contact happens by accident. Kahler told The News Tribune that the city expects test results soon. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department posts surface-water advisories and guidance online for residents following the situation. Visitors are urged to check local advisories before heading to the lake and to follow posted signs until authorities lift any warnings.
