Results from water samples taken from Round Lake on Monday (Aug. 12) revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health
VANCOUVER – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Round Lake in Camas due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.
Results from water samples taken from Round Lake on Monday (Aug. 12) 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. While the warning advisory is in place, Public Health recommends:
- 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.
The warning advisory at Lacamas Lake in Camas remains in place. Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday, Aug. 12 indicate toxin levels are decreasing. If toxin levels continue to decrease, the warning advisory will be lifted.
Public Health removed the advisory at Vancouver Lake on Aug. 9, and water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday, Aug. 12 indicate toxin levels remain below thresholds. However, algal blooms remain in several areas of the lake, including the swim beach. As long as blooms of harmful algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change.
Public Health will continue to monitor all three lakes and 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 website.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Opinion: Passing a cyclist – Law, myth and a little patience
Most drivers can’t legally pass cyclists in-lane due to vehicle width versus road measurements. - County seeks public comment on plans tied to CDBG and HOME funding
Clark County proposes $2.4 million in federal funding for dental care, affordable housing, and sidewalk improvements. - Opinion: The path to real tax reform requires a spending limit
Washington Policy Center director argues constitutional spending caps would force real budget tradeoffs instead of endless tax increases. - Court battle set to begin over WA’s new income tax
Former AG Rob McKenna leads constitutional challenge against 9.9% tax on earnings above $1 million starting Thursday. - Vancouver mayor counters IBR’s proposal for the only light rail stop to be at the waterfront
Vancouver’s mayor wants light rail extended beyond the waterfront to connect with C-TRAN buses at Library Square. - Opinion: ‘Both states know they have seriously flawed voter registration’
Lars Larson argues Oregon and Washington are suing DOJ to avoid cleaning up fraudulent voter rolls before elections. - Letter: Compassion without accountability is failing Clark County
Sarah Mittelman calls for clear standards and measurable results in homelessness spending.
