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Lakewood residents press council for action on American Lake toxins and boating hazards
Summary
Several American Lake residents told the council that recurring winter cyanobacteria blooms, milfoil and fluctuating water levels are damaging property and posing health and safety risks; council members asked staff to review advisory-committee authority and report back at a study session.
Multiple residents raised water-quality and safety concerns about American Lake during public comment at the Lakewood City Council’s January 2026 meeting, urging the city to work with shoreline homeowners and partner agencies to mitigate toxic cyanobacteria, milfoil and low-water hazards.
Stan Kovar, who said he lives on American Lake, described winter blooms that leave shoreline water "stained pea soup green with toxic cyanobacteria," warned that the microbes produce liver and neurotoxins and said pets have died in prior years. Kovar said past administrations had not sufficiently worked with shorefront owners on mitigation and asked the city to act before another health crisis.
Don Russell, a long-time Lakewood resident, said he has observed decades of decline on American Lake — including toxic algae blooms and excessive aquatic regrowth — and stated that the American Lake management district is not in compliance with RCW 61.6301. Steve Garza described safety risks for boaters and property damage tied to low water levels and exposed high spots on the lake bed.
Council members responded by noting the original focus of the American Lake Lake Management District (milfoil control) and expressing surprise at statements that cyanobacteria were considered off-limits for the advisory group. Councilmember Branstetter asked staff to confirm whether limitations exist on the district’s scope and said the council will review advisory-committee work plans at an upcoming study session; Mayor Bokey and other members said a charter or work-plan change may be needed if the committee cannot address the issue.
Clarifying details recorded at the meeting: residents reported recurring winter cyanobacteria blooms and cited prior pet deaths; a citizen cited RCW 61.6301 in urging compliance; council members said the lake is multi-jurisdictional and staff will investigate which agencies have authority over lake levels and water-quality measures.
Next steps: Council members asked staff to report back about the advisory committee's authority and to bring the item into the upcoming study session so the council can consider whether to expand the committee’s scope or pursue other remedies. No formal vote or funding commitment was taken at the meeting.
