Thurston County has received a $50,000 state Department of Ecology grant for continued work developing a cyanobacteria management plan for Summit Lake.
The plan, which has been in development since 2023, is a response to “continued frequent and toxic blooms in the lake,” the county said.
While some area residents have shallow wells, most living near Summit Lake draw water from it as their source of potable water, according to the county.
The lake is also used for fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational watersports.
Summit Lake experienced a severe toxic algae bloom in May 2017 that produced a potent cyanotoxin, rendering the lake water undrinkable and forcing residents to depend on emergency water deliveries.
“Although no major blooms have occurred since, the development of a proactive cyanobacteria management plan is essential to prevent future blooms and protect the health and well-being of residents who depend on the lake,” the state Department of Ecology states in the grant agreement.
The grant is through the Department of Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Grant Program.
The money will go towards the collection and analysis of the lake/stream water and lake sediment data that will inform the best strategy to protect residents and visitors from the blooms.
The total cost of the work is about $100,000, according to grant paperwork. With the county having already invested $50,000 in state Foundational Public Health Services funds, the Department of Ecology grant will allow the county to finish the project.
The project is scheduled to be completed no later than June 30, 2027.
Once the cyanobacteria management plan is complete, the county will assess the recommended strategies to improve lake water quality and will collaborate with the Summit Lake Community Association to create a detailed action plan.
