Public Health is advising against all recreating in Lacamas, Round and Vancouver lakes
VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health has issued a danger advisory for Lacamas Lake after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water due to a harmful algal bloom. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for pets.
Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Tuesday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. The harmful algal bloom is currently present at multiple public access points at Lacamas Lake.
The danger advisories previously issued for Vancouver Lake and Round Lake also remain in place.
Public Health is advising against all recreating in Lacamas, Round and Vancouver lakes, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, using motorized boats, water skiing and fishing. Pets should not have any contact with the water.
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 the lakes and take weekly water samples while blooms are present to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.
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:
- Gov. Inslee imposes spending freeze to deal with $10B-$12B operating budget gap
Gov. Inslee imposes a spending freeze to address a projected $72 billion budget shortfall in Washington. - Sen. Fortunato gets jump start on Trump’s deportation planSen. Phil Fortunato reintroduces Senate Bill 5002 to repeal Washington’s sanctuary state status and enhance public safety.
- City to host Main Street Promise groundbreakingVancouver’s Main Street Promise Project kicks off with a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 6.
- Fire District 3 launches holiday Toy & Food DriveFire District 3 in Brush Prairie launches its holiday Toy & Food Drive, accepting donations through Dec. 20.
- Giving Tuesday: Tix for Tots raises funds for children to experience the artsBrush Prairie’s Adele Anaya, 9, creates Tix for Tots to fund tickets for families to access plays, concerts, and museums.
- Washington state’s spending spree drives massive deficitWashington state faces a massive budget deficit following years of increased spending and new taxes.
- Ninth Circuit rules in favor of federal deportationA Ninth Circuit ruling confirms federal authority over deportation despite King County’s sanctuary policies.
