Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is advising the public to avoid direct contact with water at Round Lake in Camas due to a cyanobacteria bloom, also known as blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon and is awaiting results to determine if toxins are in the water.

Health officials are recommending:

• No water contact for people in areas of scum.
• Keep pets away from lake water.
• Clean fish well and discard organs.

The bloom was reported by a citizen this week, after the recent stretch of warm weather. The appearance of the bloom may grow and dissipate as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and overnight.

Caution signs were posted at the lake Tuesday afternoon and will remain in place as long as the bloom is active and present. Public Health will continue to monitor the bloom, and signs will be updated as conditions change. Additional information and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.

Lacamas Regional Park remains open. Water within the restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
Communications specialist
Public Health
564.397.7307; 360.518.173
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov