Waughop Lake in Lakewood’s Fort Steilacoom Park re-opened Wednesday after the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department determined the threat of toxic algae has significantly decreased.

In August, health officials deemed the lake off-limits for swimming, fishing and boating because high levels of microcystin – a toxin produced by naturally occurring algae – were found in the water.

The toxic algae can kill pets if ingested and cause gastrointestinal problems if people swallow it.

A warning advisory remains on Waughop Lake.

The health department also downgraded a toxic algae warning on Steilacoom Lake to a caution advisory.

Stacia Glenn stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com