The Seattle parks department closed Green Lake early to some activities because of the presence of a liver toxin in the water in amounts exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards.
The lake is closed to wading, swimming and "wet-water boating" activities such as sailboarding. Also, pet owners are encouraged to not let their animals drink lake water or swim in the lake.
The lake is open to fishing and boating activities in which users are unlikely to get wet.
According to Seattle Public Utilities' Water Quality Lab, the toxin is present in the water at a level of 2.7 micrograms per liter, above the WHO's accepted drinking water and recreation standard of 1 microgram per liter.
The lake was closed last year in early August when the level first reached 1.3 micrograms per liter. It remained closed until January 2003 because of continued high levels of toxin.
The parks department will conduct tests on the water several times a week and will reopen the lake when the toxin level is considered safe by WHO.
Green Lake is home to photosynthetic, or "blue-green," algae, which usually appear in small numbers. When nutrients are plentiful, the weather is warm and the lake is calm, algae blooms. These blooms are unsightly, carry a sulfur smell and may generate liver toxins.
Symptoms of illness from liver toxin are flu-like and may include abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. If symptoms occur, park users should consult a health-care professional immediately.
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