Be aware: Toxic algae found in Lake Ballinger

Due to the possibility of toxic algae, visitors to Lake Ballinger are advised to use extreme caution, the City of Edmonds reported Wednesday.

Because the lake may be unsafe for people and pets, it is recommended that recreational users:

• Do not swim or boat in areas of scum
• Do not drink the lake water
• Keep pets out of the water
• Fishing is not advised

A drone flew around the shoreline of the entire lake on Tuesday. City staff reviewed the footage yesterday and today. The bloom does not appear to be all that extensive or heavy, but this could change quickly, especially this time of year.

There are two small locations where it appears that floating algae was present. Algae blooms in the heart of the summer tend to be dominated by diatoms and green algae, but in the transition from summer to fall, blue-green algae (AKA cyanobacteria) often dominate algal populations prior to the lakes de-stratifying, typically in October and November.

"We will continue to monitor for increasing densities of those species of blue-green algae that are known to produce biotoxins, with Anabaena Flos-Aquae and Microcystis being the most common," said City spokesperson Kelsey Foster. "Updates will be provided to the public as we have them."