Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health
VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.
Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.
Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Health officials recommend:
- 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.
Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas Lake and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins could cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact could lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.
If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness.
Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Vancouver hires former Los Angeles City Fire Department leader as its new fire chief
The city of Vancouver has selected John L. Drake II, a former Los Angeles City Fire Department leader, to serve as its new fire chief beginning Dec. 29. - Opinion: Hard work is being done to try to trade one bad health care system for another
Elizabeth New (Hovde) cautions that efforts to create a universal, taxpayer-financed health care system in Washington risk replacing existing problems with new challenges tied to cost, access, and centralized control. - Play area at Hazel Dell Community Park closed January through March for installation of new play equipment
Play areas at Hazel Dell Community Park will close from January through March for removal of old equipment and installation of new, community-selected play features. - Opinion: The progressive attack on Washington’s sheriffs
Nancy Churchill argues that proposed legislation would shift power over county sheriffs away from voters and concentrate control within state government. - Letter: Is Secretary of State Hobbs really JUST protecting your voter information?
Camas resident Rick Vermeers questions the Washington secretary of state’s refusal to provide voter roll data to the U.S. Department of Justice and raises concerns about voter list transparency and compliance with federal law. - VIDEO: WA GOP budget lead blasts Ferguson’s fiscal plan as ‘a complete joke’
Republican lawmakers sharply criticized Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental budget, arguing it fails to meet Washington’s four-year balanced budget requirement and masks deeper fiscal problems. - 18th District lawmakers introduce bill to protect kids in youth sports from predators
Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District have introduced House Bill 2180 to require background checks and mandatory abuse-reporting training for youth sports coaches and supervisors.
