Treatments reduce toxic algae blooms
Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park has faced severe water quality issues due to agricultural waste, resulting in toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Recent treatments using aluminum sulfate have significantly reduced phosphorus levels, preventing harmful algae blooms for the first time in over a decade. The city's proactive management plan, supported by the state Department of Ecology, highlights the importance of effective environmental stewardship.