High levels of biotoxins have prompted health officials to issue warnings about a Whatcom County lake.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that people and their pets should avoid contact with the water at Wiser Lake.

Sampling found elevated levels of microcystin, which can cause liver damage if ingested.

Signs warning people of biotoxins have been posted at the lake since 2019, but the recent samples register above maximum safety levels.

Boating and fishing on the lake are considered low risk activities.

However, swimming, water-skiing, and jet-skiing are all higher-risk activities and are being strongly discouraged.

Wiser Lake will be monitored through next April to determine a potential source of the biotoxins.

Find more information about the health alert here.