Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at all three lakes, but test results from water samples collected this week show toxin levels are no longer elevated
VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health is downgrading the advisories at Vancouver Lake and Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas. The danger advisories at all three lakes are being downgraded to warning.
Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at all three lakes, but test results from water samples collected this week show toxin levels are no longer elevated.
As long as algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lakes change. Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with water in areas with floating blue-green-colored scum. The toxins produced by blue-green algae can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets.
Health officials are recommending:
- No swimming or water skiing.
- No water contact for animals.
- Avoiding areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing.
- No drinking lake water.
- Cleaning fish well and discarding organs
The danger signs at the lakes will be replaced with warning signs. Public Health will continue to monitor the blooms at the lakes and collect water samples to test toxin levels. Public Health will collect water samples for testing every two weeks, rather than weekly, at the request of the laboratory that analyzes water samples. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
The boat launch at Lacamas Lake’s Heritage Park is currently closed. City of Camas Public Works department is conducting the annual lake drawdown to facilitate dam inspections and repairs.
Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
