News

Public Health News

Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Vancouver Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae. 

Results from water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday, June 16 revealed toxin levels above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake. 

A warning advisory is also in place at Lacamas Lake due to elevated toxin levels from harmful algae. The Lacamas Lake warning advisory has been in place since June 4… Read More


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, June 2, 2025 revealed toxin levels 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… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County residents and dog owners who recreate in the Columbia River and along its shorelines should be on the lookout for a newly reported type of harmful algae that caused the death of a dog in October. 

Benthic algae mats are typically attached to riverbeds or lakebeds, but pieces of the mats can detach and float on the surface of the waterbody or wash ashore. The algae mats can contain toxins that can make people and pets sick and can be fatal to pets. 

Clark County Public Health first learned about the… Read More


With the arrival of warm weather, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around water – especially area lakes and rivers. In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly. 

“Even as temperatures outside get warmer, lakes and rivers are still cold enough to shock and immobilize even the strongest swimmers,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Public Health urges people of all ages to follow these tips… Read More


Clark County is partnering with Washington State Department of Ecology on a campaign that aims to make the use of reusable beverage containers a cultural norm. 

The Bring Your Own Cup campaign launches statewide on May 5 and runs through May 31. The campaign encourages residents to reduce waste from single-use cups by instead opting for reusable beverage containers. Americans use nearly one trillion… Read More


The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. 

The council is accepting applications for the position representing Southwest Clark County. Applicants for this position must live south of 179th Street and west of State Highway 503 or the extension thereof. The council will appoint the selected applicant to serve a three-year term that begins July 1, 2025.

The Solid Waste Advisory Commission holds quarterly meetings at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August, and… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. –  The Clark County Green Business program is celebrating Earth Day by recognizing local leaders in environmental sustainability with Green Awards. The annual awards feature four new categories this year. The new categories demonstrate the ongoing journey businesses must embark on to consistently reduce their environmental impacts and engage with employees and community members to set and achieve new sustainability goals. 

Here are the 2025 Green Awards winners:  

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center – Seeds of… Read More


Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free in-person and online workshops about composting and sustainable living strategies. The series will teach participants how to reduce their impact on the planet through composting, green cleaning, recycling, food waste prevention and low waste living.  

Here are the workshops offered this spring: 


Clark County is joining more than 700 organizations across the world to support Food Waste Prevention Week. On March 18, the Clark County Council proclaimed April 7-13 to be Food Waste Prevention Week, a global movement to inspire cultural changes that reduce food waste at home, work and in communities.  

Up to 38% of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten, causing significant economic, environmental, and social… Read More


The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for two volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. Applicants who are appointed by the council will serve three-year terms. 

Applications from Clark County residents are being accepted for the following positions:

  • North Clark County: Representative shall reside north of 179th Street or the extension thereof. Term begins June 1, 2025.
  • Southwest Clark County: Representative shall reside south of 179th Street and west of… Read More