BRIEF: Toxic algae bloom reported at Wapato Lake

July 29--A toxic algae bloom in Tacoma'sWapato Lake has made the water unsafe for people and pets, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said Tuesday.

The agency issued a cautionary advisory about the bloom, and will check the lake weekly for the bloom until it's gone and they lift the warning.

It's hard telling how long that will take.

"It's very weather dependent with toxic algae," agency spokeswoman Edie Jeffers said. "When it's warm, they tend to stick around, but there's lots of different reasons that can cause them to dissipate."

Anyone experiencing unexplained sickness or symptoms of poisoning after visiting the lake should call a doctor, and a veterinarian for affected pets.

Alexis Krell: 253-597-8268

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