County lifts algae bloom advisory at Vancouver Lake

Clark County Public Health has lifted its toxic-algae advisory at Vancouver Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, at the lake dissipated and is no longer present. Test results from water samples collected last week also indicate toxin levels have decreased and are below threshold levels recommended by the Washington State Department of Health.

The danger signs posted at the lake have been removed. However, algae blooms may return as conditions change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lake to watch for floating blue-green-colored scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

Public Health will continue to monitor the lake and other designated swim beaches throughout the summer. Information about swim beach monitoring and advisories are posted at clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches. 

The county lifted a similar advisory at Klineline Pond in mid-June. As of Tuesday, June 29, there were no toxic algae advisories or warnings at any of the monitored public beaches in the county, including Camas’ Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes. 

Public Health will continue to monitor the water quality at Klineline Pond and the two other designated swim beaches – Vancouver Lake and Battle Ground Lake – through Labor Day.

Public Health encourages swimmers to take steps to keep themselves and others healthy:

• Rinse off before and after swimming.
• Don’t swim if you’ve had diarrhea or vomiting in the last two weeks.
• Keep children who aren’t toilet trained and require swim diapers out of unchlorinated water.
• Know where the bathrooms and changing stations are located.
• Take frequent bathroom breaks. Young children should be taken to the bathroom every hour.