Toxic algae warnings posted at Lacamas and Round lakes

On Aug. 28, Clark County Public Health issued a warning advisory at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas, due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday, Aug. 26 revealed cyanotoxins 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.

Public Health previously issued a warning advisory for Lacamas Lake due to harmful algae on July 3. That advisory was removed Aug. 22, after two consecutive weeks of toxin levels below state thresholds. However, conditions at the lake changed in the last week of August, and toxin levels have since increased, prompting Public Health to issue a new warning advisory for Lacamas Lake.

Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas and Round lakes and, while blooms are present, take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Advisories will be updated as conditions change.

For more information, visit clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.