Closure lifted at Vancouver Lake, algae advisory downgraded

Clark County Public Health has lifted the beach closure at Vancouver Lake, and downgraded the algae advisory at the lake from warning to caution.

According to a Public Health news release, test results taken earlier this week showed reduced E. coli bacteria levels at the lake.

Public Health closed Vancouver Lake to swimming and wading Tuesday after routine testing discovered levels of E. coli in the water above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Results from Tuesday testing revealed the bacteria levels had dropped back below those thresholds, which allowed for the closure to be lifted.

The algae advisory at the lake has also been downgraded from warning to caution, since test samples indicate low toxin levels in the water.

There are still blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, present at the lake, which is why an advisory remains. Public Health’s news release stated that as long as algae is present toxin levels can still change, depending on how lake conditions shift.

Public Health is still advising people to avoid direct contact with water in areas that have floating blue-green-colored scum. The toxins can be harmful to people and deadly to for small pets.

Public Health will continue routine monitoring at Vancouver Lake, Klineline Pond and Battle Ground Lake.

Updates and information are available at the public beaches website.