Stewardship
"The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care"
Algae Blooms
Normally algae blooms are not toxic but there is no way to know for sure without testing,
so please take appropriate level of caution and if you see something, report it so it can be tested!
In general...for you and your pets
Avoid contact with algae. Avoid swallowing water while swimming. Take a bath or shower with warm soapy water after coming in contact with lake water.
How can you help prevent algae blooms
Report an Algae Bloom
If you see a suspected algae bloom take a photo and describe what you see and where and contact us (King County, and Ames Lake Community Club Board) and we can coordinate the best way to get a sample to the lab.
Chris Knutson Water Quality Planner/Project Manager IIchris.knutson@kingcounty.gov
206-477-4739 (office)
206-247-8035 (cell)
Your choices matter! Here is how you can help keep our lake Healthy!
Septic Tanks Must Be Maintained Regularly
Clean, healthy lakes are ideal places for people to fish, swim and enjoy life in many ways. Healthy lakes also provide habitat for fish and wildlife to thrive. To preserve a lake's quality and beneficial uses, people living within the watershed have a special stewardship role. Proper maintenance of home septic systems is one way home-owners can help keep a lake healthy and clean.
- King County
Scoop up Pet Waste!
Dog poop is more than just an icky nuisance. It’s a health risk to dogs and people, especially children. It’s full of bacteria that can make people sick. And it’s a source of water pollution. When it rains, dog poop melts away and runoff carries it to storm drains, ditches, and streams that feed rivers, lakes, and marine waters.
The bacteria can also make water unsafe to drink or to swim in. Nutrients from dog poop can also feed the growth of aquatic plants and algae. As these decay, they use up oxygen in the water that fish and other aquatic life need.
FERTILIZE ONLY AS NECESSARY
Go organic and slow release!
Natural organic or slow-release fertilizers provide nutrients in small amounts over time - just the way your plants need them! Quick-release fertilizers are highly soluble, and water and rain can wash them right down the storm drain - directly into local waterways where nitrogen causes algae to grow, depleting oxygen and suffocating aquatic wildlife.
