Health

Swimmer's itch, toxic algae warnings issued

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

2 min read

🤖 By Aiden

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Thurston County Public Health & Social Services reported swimmer's itch at Clear Lake on August 19, 2026. The parasite causes skin irritation after swimming. Residents are advised to avoid the lake until the issue resolves.

A separate health advisory warns of toxic algae at Lake Lawrence. People and animals should not swim or drink water from the lake. The County's July 24 advisory states the algae bloom is present and ongoing.

The County also announced a second year of its discounted heat pump program for income-qualified households, starting August 17. Applications are open for Master Gardener and Master Recycler training programs, with the next session beginning July 29.

📄 Source: City Council — https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/news

Source receipts8 of 10 claims supported · 80%

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Thurston County Public Health & Social Services reported swimmer's itch at Clear Lake on August 19, 2026“County News Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Swimmer’s Itch Reported at Clear Lake Thurston County Public Health & Social Services is advising members of the community that the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Clear Lake. Learn more... August 19, 2026 Health”
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The parasite causes skin irritation after swimming“the parasite that causes swimmer’s itch appears to be present in Clear Lake.”
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Residents are advised to avoid the lake until the issue resolvesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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A separate health advisory warns of toxic algae at Lake Lawrence“Health Advisory in Effect for Lake Lawrence: Toxic Algae A toxic algae bloom has been reported in Lake Lawrence. People and animals are advised not to swim in or drink the water. Learn more... July 24, 2026 Health”
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People and animals should not swim or drink water from the lake“People and animals are advised not to swim in or drink the water.”
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The County's July 24 advisory states the algae bloom is present and ongoing“Health Advisory in Effect for Lake Lawrence: Toxic Algae A toxic algae bloom has been reported in Lake Lawrence. People and animals are advised not to swim in or drink the water.”
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The County also announced a second year of its discounted heat pump program for income-qualified households“Health Discounted heat pump program kicks off second year The County is participating in a program that offers a limited number of free and low-cost Heat Pump installations to income-qualified households. Learn more... August 17, 2026”
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The discounted heat pump program starts August 17“Health Discounted heat pump program kicks off second year The County is participating in a program that offers a limited number of free and low-cost Heat Pump installations to income-qualified households. Learn more... August 17, 2026”
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Applications are open for Master Gardener and Master Recycler training programs“Announcements Accepting Applications for Master Gardener & Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training We're now accepting applications for Master Gardener & Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training. Learn more... July 29, 2026 Announcements Health Advisory in Effect for Lake Lawrence: Toxic Algae A toxic algae bloom has been reported in Lake Lawrence. People and animals are advised not to swim in or drink the water. Learn more... July 24, 2026 Health”
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The next session of the Master Gardener and Master Recycler training programs begins July 29No usable supporting receipt — unverified.