Clark County Public Health has issued a danger advisory for Vancouver Lake due to widespread harmful algal blooms producing elevated levels of cyanotoxins. 

Public Health issued the danger advisory after results from water samples collected on Monday revealed toxin levels above the thresholds recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Harmful algal blooms are currently present at several public access points to the lake, including the swim beach and the flushing channel. 

Public Health is advising against all recreating in the lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, using motorized boats, water skiing and fishing. Pets should not have any contact with the water.

Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin. Inhaled bacteria or toxins can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact can lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.

If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness. The toxins can be fatal to pets that drink the water.

Public Health has been monitoring harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxin levels at Vancouver Lake since early June and will continue to monitor the lake. Public Health will take weekly water samples while blooms are present to test toxin levels. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

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

Lacamas Lake advisory removed
Public Health has lifted the advisory at Lacamas Lake. The harmful algal bloom at Lacamas Lake has dissipated and toxin levels are no longer elevated.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However, harmful algal blooms may return as conditions change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. 

Additional information about algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health website. To report algal blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong, communications manager, Public Health  
564.397.7307; marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov