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The state has issued health alerts for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County and Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.

Samples taken earlier this week at the lake measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use c...