BREMERTON — The Kitsap Public Health District issued a public health advisory Aug. 29 for residents and visitors of Long Lake in south Kitsap County due to the presence Cyanobacteria — also known as toxic blue-green algae.

Water samples collected from Long Lake on Aug. 27 show toxic levels of Cyanobacteria that, if ingested in sufficient quantities, can make people sick, and can kill pets, fish, waterfowl and livestock.

Water samples containing Cyanobacteria showed the bloom producing microcystin levels estimated to be 7.5 micrograms per liter of water. Toxic warnings are posted when the toxin level exceeds 6.0 micrograms per liter.

Warning signs have been posted at community access areas and roadsides around the lake. Kitsap During the advisory, lake area residents and visitors to Long Lake are advised to:

• Avoid ingesting lake water. If a resident draws lake water for drinking purposes, they are encouraged to drink bottled water until further notice.

• Avoid swimming and other water contact sports (especially in areas where the algae are concentrated).

• Limit access of pets and livestock to the lake.

• Avoid consuming fish caught during the algae bloom.

• Rinse boats and trailers before going to another lake.

Area residents are also advised to contact Kitsap Public Health at 360-337-5235 if they notice any one of the following conditions:

• Large numbers of dead fish in the lake.

• Sudden or unexplained sickness or death of a pet cat or dog.

• If someone has entered the water and experiences skin rash, dizziness or weakness, respiratory allergy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Cyanobacteria reproduce rapidly in fresh water when the amount of sunlight, temperature and nutrients are adequate. Within a few days, a “clear” lake can become cloudy and discolored with algae growth. This is called an algae “bloom.”

Cyanobacteria usually float to the surface and can be several inches thick near the shoreline. The blooms can look like bright green paint floating on the surface of the water. When they die the algae may turn blue, white or brown.

Residents who live near lakes are encouraged to look for cyanobacteria blooms and call Kitsap Public Health when blooms are observed.

To report a waterborne illness, algae bloom, a case of swimmer’s itch, or for questions regarding the Kitsap Public Health District’s lake monitoring program, call 360-337-5235.

Information about current swimming beach closures is also available the Health District’s hotline at 1-800-2BE-WELL (1-800-223-9355), or online at www.kitsappublichealth.org.