A suspected algae bloom has appeared in Lake Pleasant in western Clallam County. 

Clallam County Health and Human Services Environmental Health Section is having the bloom tested to determine if the algae bloom is toxic and presents a danger to humans and animals. County health officials say results of the tests should be available by Jan. 25.

Environmental Health Director Andy Brastad advises that people, their pets and livestock should avoid contact with the lake water. 

In addition, fish from the lake should be thoroughly cleaned prior to consumption until the toxicity tests are complete. 

Not all algae are dangerous, but some species can produce toxins that pose a health threat to people and animals that come in contact with them. 

Children and pets are most vulnerable and dogs can fall ill almost immediately after ingesting waters affected by toxic algae.

For information about toxic blooms and human health, see www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.

For information about Ecology’s Fresh Water Algae Control Program, see

www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/algae/index.html.

For more help or information, call the Washington State Department of Health's Office of Environmental Health Assessments at 877-485-7316. 

For questions about the advisory, call Clallam County Environmental Health at 417-2415.