Danger advisory remains in place for Vancouver Lake

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 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, paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing.
• No drinking lake water.
• Cleaning fish well and discarding organs.

Vancouver Lake danger advisory

The danger advisory for Vancouver Lake remains in place. Public Health issued a danger advisory for Vancouver Lake on July 23 due to widespread harmful algal blooms producing elevated levels of cyanotoxins. Water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday show toxin levels are still elevated.

Public Health advises against all recreating in Vancouver Lake while the danger advisory is in place. Pets should not have any contact with the water.

Public Health will continue to monitor water quality at Vancouver and Round lakes. Advisories and signs at the lakes will be updated as conditions change.

Public Health is also monitoring water quality at Lacamas Lake. A harmful algal bloom has formed at Lacamas Lake, but results from water samples collected on Monday indicate toxin levels are below thresholds set by the state. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in Lacamas Lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are posted on the Public Health website.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.