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:
- House Democrats advance $18B in tax hike proposals as session winds down
House Democrats in Washington advanced several tax hike proposals as the legislative session nears its end, aiming to address a major budget shortfall. - Republican budget leaders see showdown ahead as Senate Democrats approve trio of major tax increasesSenate Democrats in Washington have approved major tax increases, prompting Republican budget leaders to warn of a growing showdown ahead.
- Representatives from the 18th and 20th Legislative Districts to hold joint town hall on May 3
Lawmakers from the 18th and 20th Legislative Districts will host a joint town hall on May 3 at Battle Ground City Hall to review the legislative session and hear from residents. - Expect delays on northbound I-5 near Ridgefield through May 9Northbound I-5 travelers near Ridgefield should expect delays through May 9 as crews work on improvements at the Exit 14 off-ramp to support future development.
- Brandon Erickson announces candidacy for Clark County Charter Review CommissionBrandon Erickson has announced his candidacy for the Clark County Charter Review Commission, seeking Position 1 in District 2.
- Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigating a reported burglary that led to apparent suicideThe Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported burglary in Vancouver that ended with the apparent suicide of Charles Gardiner, interim chief of the Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department.
- POLL: Why did voters reject all three tax proposals in the April 22 special election?Clark County voters rejected all three tax measures on the April 22 special election ballot, prompting questions about trust, affordability, and communication.
