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:
- POLL: Do you agree with giving a state commission the power to remove an elected sheriff?
A new poll asks if a state commission—not voters—should have the power to remove an elected sheriff, following concerns raised by Clark County Sheriff John Horch. - Opinion: Defending Democracy by denying it?
Washington voters are blocked from weighing in on new income taxes as state lawmakers and officials bypass public input, drawing criticism from Northwest voices. - Camas School District names Ryan Scott as principal of Lacamas Lake Elementary
Ryan Scott, currently associate principal supporting multiple Camas schools, will become Lacamas Lake Elementary’s new leader following Julie Mueller’s retirement. - Ridgefield to host Division I baseball game between UW Huskies and UP Pilots on April 21
The Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex welcomes two Division I teams this April, offering free entry for local youth players and a rare college matchup in Clark County. - Clark County Sheriff shares his concerns with Washington’s new sheriff’s law
Sheriff John Horch criticizes a new state law allowing a commission to remove elected sheriffs through decertification, arguing it undermines voter authority. - VIDEO: Decertified WA sheriffs can now be ousted under controversial new law
A new Washington law lets an unelected board remove elected sheriffs or police chiefs for misconduct that costs them state certification, raising concerns about free speech and political consequences. - Inmate with pending charges in Clark County escapes Western State Hospital
Joshua Dylan Rice, a Clark County inmate facing robbery and assault charges, escaped Western State Hospital and may have ties to Salmon Creek and North Bend, Oregon.
