Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has downgraded its advisory at Vancouver Lake from warning to caution. Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at the lake, but results from recent water samples indicate low levels of toxins in the water.

The warning signs at the lake will be replaced with caution signs, which will remain in place as long as the blooms are present. Public Health will continue to monitor Vancouver Lake throughout the summer and, as long as blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Public Health has been monitoring blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, at Vancouver Lake since June 12. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

Health officials recommend:

• No swimming in areas of scum.
• No drinking lake water.
• No water contact for animals in areas of scum.
• Cleaning fish well and discarding organs.
• Avoiding areas of scum when boating.

Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open. Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.

Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website. To report algae blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.

CONTACT
Chris Goodwin
Interim communications specialist
Public Health
564.397.8122
chris.goodwin@clark.wa.gov