Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't the County paying for this?
Answer: Skagit County has only used funding from shoreline tax assessment for noxious weeds treatment. Skagit County does not have any additional funding for algae treatment which is a much greater cost than the noxious weed treatment.
We are actively working with the County; funds designated for noxious weeds treatments can be diverted to the algae treatment. To achieve an initial treatment for spring 2026, we will need community assistance through significant donations in addition to the already assessed fees. Grants have been applied to the Department of Ecology, however, the process is very slow, those funds (if awarded) more likely would go towards a 2027 season treatment.
How much does one treatment actually help?
Answer: A single treatment significantly reduces algae levels for the season in which it’s applied and builds with additional treatments over a 3+ year period. It improves water quality, safety, and usability while building for a longer-term fix. This also depends on how large of a treatment Big Lake Residents can fund this year.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Answer: Yes, we are a registered 501 (c) non-profit organization and can issue tax receipts.
What specific treatment are you planning to use?
Answer: We are working with Skagit County Lake Management District #1 (LMD), Big Lake Advisory Committee and AquaTechnex (a Washington-approved contractor) whom BL LMD is contracted with through 2027. There are basically two treatment options approved (and effective) in Washington State currently, Aluminum Sulfate and Lanthanum.
Aluminum Sulfate is initially slightly less cost; in the long term requires additional monitoring and buffering products to protect the PH for the fish. Additionally, Aluminum Sulfate's “binding” to phosphorus may begin to release.
Lanthanum is an element that actually chemically changes the phosphorus to a mineral that will never revert back. There is no impact on lake water quality therefore requires no additives for fish protection and much less future monitoring.
With these considerations, Lanthanum would appear to be the better choice of treatment.
Is this treatment safe for people, pets, and wildlife?
Answer: Yes. The treatment methods being considered have been successfully used in lakes throughout Washington and are applied under strict guidelines and monitoring requirements. The lake is usable within 24–48 hours.
Who decides whether and when a treatment happens?
Answer: Treatment decisions depend on permits and regulatory approvals, along with environmental conditions and the contractors’ recommendations. The community fundraising ensures funding is ready if and when treatment is approved.
When would the treatment happen?
Answer: We expect treatment will occur in May or June if sufficient funds are raised to cover the cost.
How long will the lake be closed during treatment?
Answer: Temporary restrictions may be required, typically for up to 24 hours. The lake can usually be reopened for swimming, boating, and pets within 24–48 hours after treatment (exact time set by the contractor and health department).
Why raise the full amount now instead of waiting?
Answer: Treatment windows are time-sensitive. If funding isn’t in place, the opportunity to act will be lost for the season .
Is my donation for algae treatment only?
Answer: Yes. Donations are restricted to algae treatment, monitoring, and related oversight.
What percentage goes to administration?
Answer: Administrative costs are kept low: 2.5% for the first year and 5% for subsequent years. These cover fiduciary oversight, required filings, and financial reporting. The majority of funds go directly toward treatment and monitoring.
Will donors receive updates on how funds are used?
Answer: Yes. The community will receive periodic updates on funds raised, treatment status, and lake conditions. Sign up for our mailing list.
Can donations be anonymous?
Answer: Yes. Donors may choose to remain anonymous at any contribution level.
How do I donate?
Answer: There are many ways to donate (credit card, check, DAF, wire transfer etc.). Please see the DONATE page on this website for details. If you are unsure, please contact us (click "ask us a question" below).
Why should I donate if I don’t live on the lake?
Answer: Big Lake is a shared community resource. Water quality affects recreation, the surrounding environment, and the overall health and appeal of the area. In addition, algae spores are easily airborne and can travel to other areas. Poor water quality here affects recreation, property values, and the broader Skagit Valley ecosystem that we all share.
Are lakefront owners being asked to give more?
Answer: Everyone is being asked to contribute at a level that feels reasonable for them. Participation at all levels is valued.
What if some people don’t donate at all?
Answer: This effort depends on voluntary participation. The focus is on raising sufficient funds, not on tracking who does or doesn’t contribute.
Will this need to be done every year?
Answer: Algae management requires ongoing treatment. A series of annual treatments over approximately 3–5 years can eradicate the algae for many years afterward.
Why not wait for grants instead of asking residents?
Answer: Grant approvals are uncertain and often don’t align with immediate treatment needs. Also, Grants may designate that the funds will be used for further testing requirements and Lake Community Education. Community fundraising ensures readiness while other funding sources are pursued.
Does treating the lake fix the root cause, or do we also need to address runoff from the watershed?
Answer: The Lanthanum (or Aluminum Sulfate) treatment binds the phosphorus already stored in the lake sediments — the main driver of summer blooms right now — so it gives immediate, visible improvement. Long-term success also requires reducing new phosphorus coming in from the watershed (roads, yards, development, septic systems, etc.). The LMD and Skagit County are already building a phosphorus management plan (part of the current AquaTechnex contract), and the community is actively advocating for stronger watershed protections. In-lake treatment PLUS watershed work is the proven winning combination.
What about Boat Traffic?
Answer: We are focused on the treatment. The root cause of the algae is excess phosphorus. There are many factors leading to excess phosphorus which experts believe is related to items including: the logs and vegetation underwater, property fertilizer use, run-off from surrounding areas (and new developments), water temperatures, water flow in and out of the lake, etc. Some people have opinions boat traffic may exacerbate the situation, others do not believe that.
The proposed Lanthanum treatment would chemically modify the phosphorus so it can not return back into a phosphorus state. Other treatment options such as aluminum sulphate only bind to the phosphorus and can eventually break down. This is why we are pursuing the Lanthanum option to treat the water, regardless of the causes. In parallel, we are working to try to reduce the introduction of phosphorus into the lake, however that is a separate initiative.
This initiative is focused on raising community funds to treat the lake.
Will the county or state help more in future years?
Answer: We are pursuing every grant possible, both State and Federal. (Department of Ecology Freshwater Algae Program, etc.). The 2026 treatment is the critical first step that positions us best for larger state matching funds in 2027 and beyond.
What happens if you don’t raise the full amount?
Answer: Any funds raised still support treatment and monitoring and can be applied toward future efforts. Partial funding still improves readiness and options.
Thank you for caring about our lake. Every dollar gift — moves us closer to a safe, swimmable Big Lake this summer.