Swimmers warned of algae bloom north of Stanwood

Published 3:50 pm Friday, July 25, 2008

Health officials have posted signs at Lake Ketchum north of Stanwood warning people not to swim or water ski in the water due to an outbreak of blue-green algae.

People should not ingest the water, should keep pets away from the lake and avoid the scum when boating.

The Lake Ketchum algae bloom looks like green paint spread on the surface of the water. Blue-green algae blooms thrive in hot weather and nutrient-rich water and may last for several weeks.