Results from water samples taken from Vancouver 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 Vancouver Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae. The warning advisory at Lacamas Lake also remains in place.
Public Health has been monitoring harmful algal blooms at Vancouver Lake since early July. Results from water samples taken from Vancouver 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.
Public Health issued a warning advisory for Lacamas Lake on July 7. Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday indicated toxin levels remain elevated 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, 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 Vancouver and Lacamas lakes 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. To report algal blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Clark County small businesses urge legislature to reject state income tax
More than 30 Clark County businesses sent a letter to state lawmakers opposing Senate Bill 6346, arguing the proposed income tax could harm small businesses and the broader economy. - Comcast completes network expansion to rural residents as part of partnership with county
A public-private partnership between Clark County and Comcast has expanded high-speed broadband access to nearly 500 rural homes northeast of Battle Ground Lake. - City of Washougal seeking vendors for 2026 Community Market Season
The city of Washougal is inviting farmers, artisans, food vendors, and musicians to apply for the expanded 2026 Washougal Community Market season at Reflection Plaza. - Trophy games: Columbia River boys finish fifth, Evergreen girls take sixth at state tournaments
Columbia River’s boys and Evergreen’s girls both reached the final day of their state basketball tournaments, returning to Vancouver with fifth- and sixth-place trophies. - Opinion: Gov. Ferguson has abandoned his own tax relief demands
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support for the state’s proposed income tax contradicts his earlier demands for broader taxpayer relief. - Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
Lawmakers in several states are considering new laws affecting teacher strikes as debates grow over labor rights and disruptions to public education. - WA GOP lawmakers press schools chief on gender identity disclosure policies
Washington House Republicans are asking Superintendent Chris Reykdal to explain state guidance on gender identity disclosure following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
