Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink
VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health has issued a danger advisory for Vancouver Lake after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water. Harmful algal blooms are currently present at multiple locations across the lake, including the swim beach.
Results from water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Danger signs are being posted at the public access points to the lake.
Public Health is advising against all recreating in Vancouver Lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, using motorized boats, water skiing and fishing. Pets should not have any contact with the water.
The warning advisories at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas remain in place. At those lakes, Public Health advises against swimming, water skiing and any water contact for animals. People should avoid areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing in Lacamas and Round lakes.
Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact can lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.
If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness. The toxins can be fatal to pets that drink the water.
Public Health will continue to monitor local lakes with algal blooms and take weekly water samples while blooms are present to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.
Additional information about algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health public beach website.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Battle Ground City Council passes resolution opposing light rail in I-5 Bridge replacement project
The Battle Ground City Council has joined Camas in formally opposing light rail in the I-5 Bridge Replacement project, citing costs and lack of congestion relief. - Washington Parents Network files Title IX complaint against Reykdal, Ferguson
Washington Parents Network files a Title IX complaint against Chris Reykdal and Bob Ferguson, challenging state education policies on gender identity and federal funding compliance. - Let’s Go Washington introduces initiative to again protect parent’s rightsLet’s Go Washington introduces a new initiative to protect parents’ rights, repealing ESSB-5181 and reaffirming parental authority in schools.
- Firmly Planted Action to host Constitution Alive six-week courseFirmly Planted Action will host a free six-week Constitution Alive course in Vancouver, offering civic education on constitutional rights.
- Opinion: Scientific approach needed for gender-affirming careJay Fratt discusses the NHS Cass Review and its impact on gender-affirming care, calling for a science-based approach in Washington state.
- Discussions with the Sheriff, Part 2: CCSO ‘does not do federal enforcement’ but won’t ‘leave fellow law enforcement’Clark County Sheriff John Horch clarifies his office’s stance on federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing that deputies assist in emergencies but do not enforce federal laws.
- TriMet’s need for Clark County funds questionedTriMet expects passenger fares to cover just a quarter of the projected $22 million in IBR transit costs, with Washington state contributing significantly.
