Vancouver Lake Advisory downgraded to caution

Clark County Public Health once again changed the status of Vancouver Lake, downgrading its advisory from warning to caution.

Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at the lake, but recent test results indicated low toxin levels in the water, according to a Public Health news release.

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

Health officials recommend: no swimming in areas of scum, no drinking lake water, no water contact for animals in areas of scum, cleaning fish well and discarding organs and avoiding areas of scum when boating.

Public Health has monitored the blooms of cyanobacteria since June 12, and the lake has been closed twice this summer. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water, according to the release. The lake has also had issues with E. coli in recent months.

Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website. To report algae blooms in other bodies of water, visit the Public Health website.