Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

10/16/2026

We issued a toxic algae caution advisory for Bay Lake. You should avoid areas of the lake where you see algae because they can pose health concerns. You’ll see signs posted at the lake to let you know about the advisory.

Last revised Oct. 16, 2026 People and pets should avoid areas of the lake with visible algae. On Oct.

10/14/2026

👶October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness month. Our Health Officer has a 2-year-old daughter and a brand-new baby! He shares his thoughts on keeping babies safe while they’re sleeping and what we can all do to make Pierce County a great place for infants.

Last revised Oct. 14, 2026 October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness month. Both as a physician and as a dad, I care deeply about this issue.

10/08/2026

Recent bat encounters at a Puyallup school are a good reminder that you should take bat sightings seriously and know how to respond if you contact one. It’s also a good reminder that they usually carry very little risk to your health:

☑️Fewer than one in 20,000 bats in Washington has rabies.
☑️The last time a bat tested positive for rabies in Pierce County was 2017.
☑️We’ve only had two cases of human rabies in Washington in the last 75 years.

Last revised Oct. 8, 2026 If you’re a longtime Pierce County resident, chances are you’ve seen a bat.

10/07/2026

Our Board of Health will meet in person at 3 p.m. in the Health Department Auditorium. You can watch the meeting live on our website ➡️ tpchd.org/info/board-of-health/

Find the agenda and more information about the meeting ➡️ tpchd.org/info/board-of-health/meetings/

You can attend in person at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at 3629 S D St., Tacoma, WA 98418. Or join the meeting with Zoom: Dial (253) 215-8782, use Meeting ID: 852 6383 2261 and passcode 038473 when prompted.

10/06/2026

We’ve already noticed an uptick in flu. We’re seeing emergency department visits at levels we typically see around Thanksgiving or in December. Take steps now to protect yourself.

Last revised Oct. 6, 2026 Fall means many things. Leaves on the ground. Pumpkin spice in our coffees. And respiratory illness in the air.

10/05/2026

We issued Water Advisory for Thea Foss Waterway.

While the advisory is in effect, avoid contact with the water for 48 hours after it rains.

Last revised Oct. 5, 2026 While the advisory is in effect, avoid contact with the water for 48 hours after it rains.

10/05/2026

We lifted the toxic algae caution advisory for Lake Whitman, located in Kapowsin.

Even when an advisory is not in effect, always use caution when you’re in the water. When in doubt, stay out!

09/18/2026

We lifted the toxic algae caution advisory for Palmer Lake, located in Key Peninsula.

Even when an advisory is not in effect, always use caution when you’re in the water. When in doubt, stay out!

09/18/2026

We issued a toxic algae caution advisory for Steilacoom Lake. You should avoid areas of the lake where you see algae because they can pose health concerns. You’ll see signs posted at the lake to let you know about the advisory.

09/18/2026

How do you know if your septic system is failing?

🚿Plumbing fixtures drain slowly.
🪠Sewage backs up into your home.
💦Drainfield is wet or soft but not from rain or irrigation.
🏡Grass is extra green or has heavy growth.
🤢It smells bad near your septic system.
🤮Failing septic systems can cause toxic algae, beach closures, and even illness.

Catching these problems early can save you money. Protect your investment. Schedule an inspection today! Learn more ➡️ tpchd.org/septiccare.