Algae & Toxic Algae
Algae are small plant-like organisms that can be found in nearly every body of water including lakes. There can be hundreds of algae species in a single lake. Most algae are microscopic but some large macroalgae are often confused with plants. All algae have pigments that allow them to create energy from sunlight through photosynthesis.
Benefits of Algae
Algae are incredibly important to the health of lakes. They serve as the base of the food web providing energy directly or indirectly to nearly all aquatic life. They feed tiny animals knows as zooplankton that, in turn, are eaten by aquatic insects and fish. Algae also replenish the lake and atmosphere with oxygen through photosynthesis.
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Algae are tiny plant-like organisms that are essential to lake health (photos by Karl Bruun)
Problems with Algae - Algae Blooms
Most algae are harmless and aren’t even noticed by lake users. But sometimes algae can grow rapidly or “bloom.” A bloom refers to prolific growth of one or two algae species in the lake. Algae blooms can appear differently.
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Blue-green algae can cause surface scum that look like paint spills. These blooms can be toxic.
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Filamentous algae may form stringy mats at the lake surface. This type of algae does not produce toxins.
Blooms of free-floating algae, called phytoplankton, may cause the water color to turn different colors such as green or golden brown. With dense blooms, you may observe floating clumps of blue or green algae or surface scums that appears as paint spilled on the lake surface.
Other types of algae, called filamentous algae, grow stringy green filaments that can coat the lake bottom, rocks, structures and even aquatic plants. When dense, it can appear as stringy balls or mats in the water which may float to the surface and appear bubbly or turn brown.
Potentially toxic algae blooms
While algae blooms may look unsightly, most do not present a health risk. However, a few species of blue-green algae or cyanobacteria cause harmful algae blooms. They can produce toxins that are dangerous to animals and pets. Refer to our toxic algae webpage to learn how to respond to these potentially harmful blooms.
We have created a “Visual Guide to Algae & Other Scums” to help you learn about the different types of blooms including potentially toxic blooms.
Causes of Algae Blooms
Most lakes will naturally have an occasional algae bloom. While temperature and sunlight play a role in blooms occurring, often times excessive nutrients - particularly phosphorus - is the primary factor leading to blooms. Frequent algae blooms are a symptom of excessive phosphorus pollution and a sign of declining water quality.
Managing Algae Blooms
If your lake is experiencing an algae bloom there is not much that can be done besides to wait for the bloom to dissipate. Algaecides require extensive permitting and a licensed herbicide applicator. Furthermore, they are not recommended as the cells release toxins as they die back. Decaying algae also release nutrients that trigger a new algae bloom.
If you have excessive growth of filamentous algae on your lake shoreline, you may be able to use a weed rake to remove. Leave rooted aquatic plants undisturbed as they take up nutrients preventing more algae growth and may require permits to be removed. Once removed, the algae should be taken away from the lake to decompose so nutrients don't wash back in causing more algae. When it dries, it makes great garden compost.
Preventing Algae Blooms
The best strategy for managing algae blooms is to prevent them by reducing phosphorus pollution to the lake. Phosphorus pollution mainly comes from homes and yards that are near the lake and is washed into the lake when it rains. Common sources are lawn fertilizers, pet and animal waste, septic systems and any bare soils or dirt which are rich in phosphorus.
Snohomish County has a program called LakeWise which helps residents take simple, voluntary actions on their properties to reduce phosphorus pollution. Even small reductions in phosphorus can make a big difference for your lake. Learn more or sign up for a FREE educational LakeWise visit at www.lakewise.org.
Toxic Algae Alert
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The following lakes are posted for an ongoing toxic algae bloom. Blooms look like green or blue surface scums or algae clumps. While posted, follow the guidelines on the WARNING sign.
Learn more about toxic algae.
Updated September 21, 2023.
- Gissberg Twin Lake North - blue-green clumps on the lake bottom near the shoreline and some large blue or black clumps floating in the lake. A sample was collected 9/18 - microcystin (a liver toxin) was present above 10 ppb (parts per billion), which exceeds the recreational guidance value of 8 ppb, set by the Washington Department of Health.
- Lake Cassidy - scum along the west shore and boat launch. A sample was collected 9/11 - microcystin (a liver toxin) was present at 4.58 ppb (parts per billion) but below recreational guidance value of 8 ppb, set by the Washington Department of Health.
- Lake Wagner - scum along the west shore and boat launch. A sample was collected 9/12 - no toxins present.
See full toxin results at www.nwtoxicalgae.org.
Stay Informed
If you would like to receive email or text alerts for most lakes in unincorporated Snohomish County, please go to the Lakes Email News page and click the link next to the lake you are interested in to sign up.
Contact Us
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Marisa Burghdoff
Water Quality Specialist
Ph: 425-388-3204
Jen Oden
Water Quality Specialist
Ph: 425-262-2601
Dominick Leskiw
Water Quality Analyst
Ph: 425-312-0623
email us at lakes@snoco.org
Toxic Algae Resources
- Toxic Algae NW - statewide toxic algae alerts
- WA State Department of Health - toxic algae info
- EPA video on toxic algae
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