The toxic blue-green algae in Lake Waughop is dangerous and potentially deadly to people and their pets
Written by Eileen Quackenbush
After going for a swim in the lake behind the college, a dog groomed itself and ingested toxic water; now the dog is dead.
The 33-acre Waughop Lake at Fort Steilacoom Park contains toxic blue-green algae harmful to mammals and other living organisms. The algae produces neurotoxins, which can be absorbed through the skin, whereas liver toxins can cause gastrointestinal problems.
If a small dog drank water from the lake, it can cause paralysis or even death. It also can cause illness to large dogs, children, and adults.
Some of the fish in the lake accumulate toxins in their fatty tissues, which could be dangerous to organisms consuming them.
“When there is an algae bloom, the lake smells like a sewer and is unattractive looking,” Science Technician and Part-time Instructor Michele LaFontaine said. “Kids used to be able to swim in it, and now they can’t even touch the water.”
Some of the algae are native to the area and others are brought here through boats from other states or lakes. The invasive algae can live in wider pH (acidic) ranges. As conditions in the lake worsen, the natural plants and algae originally living in the ecosystem are unable to survive.
“Invasive species on land or in water out competes the natives due to lack of predators and their ability to survive in higher pH levels,” LaFontaine said.
The property is owned by the Department of Social and Health Services and it is leased to Pierce County and managed by the City of Lakewood. In 2008, the city applied calcium hydroxide and churned the lake water in an attempt to reduce algae growth.
However, the algae remains present in the water. Therefore in May of 2009, cautionary warning signs were posted, which recommend people and their pets not to swim in the lake or eat the fish.
Some additional problems with the lake are due to phosphorus (produced by the manure in the lake from a previous farm located in the area) and other nutrients present.
The waterfowl, such as ducks, are now the biggest source in contributing to this cause.
LaFontaine believes that dredging the sediments from the phosphorus built-up will not completely cleanup the lake, but greatly help in its rehabilitation.
“The problem is, it may cost around $100,000 to dredge the lake, and I doubt there is enough funding to support this cause,” LaFontaine said.
LaFontaine continues in her study about pollutions and toxins in our environment and is hopeful that the lake will return to its former glory.
“I hope students and locals understand how we should be mindful and respectful of our environment. I will continue to ride my bicycle to the college and find solutions to help clean our lake,” LaFontaine said.
Student Erin Cannon-James uses the nature trail around the lake for recreation. James also questions the safety for herself and her animals.
“It would be great if I could swim and play with my dog in the lake,” James said.
For more information about toxic algae, go to the website: http://www.tpchd.org/news.php?nid=653 or contact Science Instructor Michele LaFontaine at the e-mail address: [email protected].
Additional informational:
A five credit course, Applied Environmental Methods (ENVR 155) is available to students interested in examining the Pacific Northwest, learning about restoration ecology, and studying native and invasive species of plants and animals and their adaptations to their environment, water quality, ecology, and biogeography. The course involves environmental fieldwork and field trips in regional parks (mostly Fort Steailcoom Park) and natural areas. A lab is included and field trips are required. The course takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., plus two weekend all-day field trips.