![Clark County Public Health has issued a swim beach warning at Vancouver Lake after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/large_Clark-County-Today-Vancouver-Lake-Park-05.jpg)
Test results for one of five water samples collected at Vancouver Lake on Tuesday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria
VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health has issued a swim beach warning at Vancouver Lake after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.
Test results for one of five water samples collected at Vancouver Lake on Tuesday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards.
Warning signs are being posted at the lake. While the warning is in place, Public Health advises against swimming and wading, especially for young children who are more likely to accidentally swallow water. People who have contact with the water at the swim beach should rinse off after.
Public Health will collect additional water samples on Monday. If results show the water quality has improved, the beach warning will be lifted.
Public Health began routine monitoring of the designated swim beaches at Vancouver Lake, Klineline Pond and Battle Ground Lake this week. While visiting Vancouver Lake, Public Health staff spotted a harmful algal bloom at the swim beach. Water samples were collected to test toxin levels. Those results are expected this week and may result in an additional advisory.
As long as blooms of harmful algae are present, toxin levels can change as the weather and lake conditions change. People should avoid areas of floating scum when swimming or recreating in the water, and pets should not go into or drink the water.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink. Park visitors may continue to catch and consume fish caught in the lake but should thoroughly clean all fish and equipment. Fish should be cooked and not eaten raw.
Information about current advisories is available on the Public Health public beaches website.
Information about E. coli
E. coli is a common kind of bacteria that lives in the intestines of animals and people. The presence of E. coli in Vancouver Lake water indicates that the water may contain bacteria found in animal or human feces. Some of these bacteria are capable of causing severe gastrointestinal illness.
Depending on the cause, people with gastrointestinal infections may experience fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea beginning several hours to several days or longer after exposure. Some infections may cause bloody diarrhea.
People who experience bloody diarrhea or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should call their physician or other health care provider.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Harvest Days in Battle Ground coming up July 19-21The Battle Ground Festivals Association is preparing for three days of celebration, including a car cruise on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Saturday night at Harvest Days.
- Organizers looking for cars for Cruise to the Shoug show on Aug. 454-40 Brewing Co. is hosting Cruise to the Shoug on Aug. 4 as a fundraiser for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and organizers are looking for car owners to book their spots for the show.
- Trump picks Ohio’s J.D. Vance for vice presidentFormer President Donald Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to serve as his vice president should Trump beat President Joe Biden this November for another term in the White House.
- Children with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of FishingOn Saturday (July 13), Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland.
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- CASE DISMISSED: Classified documents case against Trump thrown out by judgeA federal judge in Florida dismissed the classified documents-related criminal case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, saying the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution.
- Photos: Log show and parade at Territorial Days 2024 in AmboyTerritorial Days in Amboy never disappoints, and this weekend brought all kinds of activities in logging country, and Clark County Today had a photographer there to capture images from the annual parade and log show.