Latest water samples did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination
VANCOUVER — Clark County Public Health lifted the swim beach warning at Klineline Pond, after the latest water samples did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination.
Public Health posted warning signs at the swim beach on Tuesday. Routine testing at the pond showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.
Additional water samples were taken Tuesday. Those results came back and showed acceptable water quality, prompting Public Health to lift the warning.
Public Health will continue routine monitoring of the swim beach throughout the summer.
While recreating at swim beaches and pools, consider these recommendations to help protect yourself and others from illness:
- Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
- Stay out of the water if you have an open wound that is not covered by a waterproof bandage.
- Do not swallow water.
- Take children for bathroom breaks every hour.
- Keep children who are not toilet trained out of the water.
- Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.
Advisory remains at Vancouver Lake
Caution signs at Vancouver Lake also remain in place. Public health posted signs this week due to the possible bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae blooms were identified at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach. Test results from those two locations showed cyanotoxins were below threshold levels recommended by Washington Department of Health.
Additional water samples were taken Thursday to test for toxins since the blooms are still present. Those test results will be available this week. The caution signs will remain as long as the bloom is active and present. Signs may be updated as conditions change.
Additional information and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.
