Danger advisories issues at Lacamas, Round lakes

Clark County Public Health has elevated blue-green algae advisories at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas from warning to danger. 

Water samples collected the first week of September showed both lakes continue to have elevated levels of cyanotoxins. Additionally, blue-green algae are now accumulating in many areas of both lakes, including at boat launches and other public access points.

Danger signs are being posted at the public access points at both lakes. 

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

Blue-green algae 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 will continue to monitor the blooms at the lakes and collect water samples to test toxin levels. Public Health will collect water samples for testing every two weeks, rather than weekly, at the request of the laboratory that analyzes water samples. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website at clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.  To report algae blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website at clark.wa.gov/public-health/report-health-concern.