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… Read More

Mosquito season is in full swing. And after a mild season in 2021, this year’s mosquito population is bigger than usual. Clark County Mosquito Control District has been working to reduce the mosquito population since April and continues to treat areas with high numbers of mosquitoes across the county. As crews work to control the mosquito population, Public Health is encouraging everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito habitats on their property.

The species of mosquitoes that are currently active in Clark County lay their eggs in the damp soil along… Read More

Clark County residents looking for natural gardening inspiration can explore nine local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques during this month’s Natural Garden Tour. After two years of virtual events, the annual event will once again invite visitors to take self-guided tours of urban and rural gardens across the county.

Visitors can take free, self-guided tours 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 17. From the heart of Vancouver to the headwaters of the Washougal River, featured gardeners have gradually transformed their landscapes in sustainable ways while enjoying the beauty… Read More

Clark County Public Health has lifted the swim beach warning at Vancouver Lake after the latest water samples did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination.

Public Health has been monitoring water quality at the Vancouver Lake swim beach since early June when routine testing revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health has been collecting water samples at least once a week to check bacteria levels. Test results from water samples taken on Tuesday showed improved water quality, prompting Public Health to lift the warning.

Public Health will continue… Read More

Clark County residents can help prevent fires, injuries and pollution by properly disposing of fireworks after their Fourth of July celebrations.

Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. And fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife. To prevent waterway contamination, residents should sweep up and dispose of fireworks… Read More

Clark County Public Health has lifted the closure at Vancouver Lake but has issued a warning for the swim beach. Health officials continue to advise against swimming or wading at the Vancouver Lake swim beach. Public Health has also lifted the warning for the Battle Ground Lake swim beach.

Vancouver Lake

Public Health closed Vancouver Lake to swimming and wading on Friday, June 10 due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health has continued to monitor the swim beach. Test results from water samples collected on Tuesday showed water quality has… Read More

Clark County Public Health has issued a swim beach warning at Battle Ground Lake after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.

Test results for one of five water samples collected at Battle Ground Lake on Monday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards.

Warning signs are being posted at the lake. While the warning is in place, Public Health advises against swimming and wading,… Read More

Clark County Public Health is reopening its Environmental Public Health and Vital Records offices to in-person services. Both offices will offer in-person services by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning June 14. The Vital Records office will also be open to customers without an appointment during limited hours.

Online services and support by phone will continue to be available. Public Health’s online permitting portal enables people to submit new permit applications and renewals, upload required documents, review… Read More

Clark County Public Health is closing the Vancouver Lake swim beach due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Some E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if water is accidentally swallowed.  

Public Health issued a warning for the swim beach on June 2 when one water sample collected during routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health collected additional water samples from the swim beach on Monday and received results today. Four of six water samples showed elevated levels of E. coli… Read More

Clark County Public Health has issued a swim beach warning at Vancouver Lake after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.

Test results for one of five water samples collected at Vancouver Lake on Tuesday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards.

Warning signs are being posted at the lake. While the warning is in place, Public Health advises against swimming and wading,… Read More