Treatments reduce toxic algae blooms

For decades, Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park struggled with deteriorating water quality due to poor waste management practices from a nearby farm. These practices led to the proliferation of toxic cyanobacteria blooms, prompting health advisories from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. In 2014, the City of Lakewood received state funding to create a management plan aimed at restoring the lake's health. The plan included treatment with aluminum sulfate, a widely accepted method for reducing phosphorus levels in aquatic environments. Following treatments in 2020 and 2023, phosphorus concentrations have been dramatically reduced, leading to a significant decline in toxic algae blooms.

The city worked closely with the state Department of Ecology, ensuring a rigorous monitoring process to evaluate the treatments' effectiveness. As a result, Waughop Lake has not experienced a toxic algae bloom for the first time in over a decade, marking a significant achievement in local environmental management. This success underscores the importance of proactive measures in addressing water quality issues and protecting public health.