BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Whatcom County health officials are among those advising people to temporarily steer clear of some local waterways.

The county’s Department of Health and Community Services says they are investigating reports of potentially toxic algal blooms in Lake Padden and Padden Creek.

They are asking people and their pets to avoid contact with the water, especially in areas where the green-colored water and algae are visible.

Certain algal blooms are highly toxic for pets.

Health officials have sent samples of the algae out for testing.

Results are expected sometime next week.