Round Lake in Camas placed under algae advisory

Clark County Public Health has issued a blue-green algae advisory for Round Lake in Camas.

Public Health is advising the public to avoid contact with the lake due to a cyanobacteria bloom, also known as blue-green algae, according to a Public Health press release. Lacamas Regional Park remains open. Water within the restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.

The algae produces toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

A citizen reported the bloom this week, which manifested after a warm stretch of weather. The Public Health press release states that the bloom could grow and dissipate as temperatures change throughout the day and night.

Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon to test for toxins. Public Health is awaiting the results. Public Health has placed caution signs at the lake, which will remain in place as long as the bloom is active and present. Right now, Public Health recommends:

• No water contact for people in areas of scum.

• Keep pets away from lake water.

• Clean fish well and discard organs.

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: clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.