Public Health advises against recreating at Vancouver Lake

Clark County Public Health is advising against all recreation at Vancouver Lake because of elevated toxin levels in the water.

Water samples taken Monday revealed that cyanotoxin levels at the lake are above the threshold recommended by the state Department of Health. That has prompted Public Health to upgrade its health advisory to danger.

The cyanobacteria bloom continues to cover most of the lake, according to a Public Health news release.

Danger signs are posted at the swim beach and other public access points to the lake. Public Health is advising against all recreating on the lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, water skiing and fishing. Pets should be kept out of the water, as cyanotoxins can be deadly to small animals.

Lacamas Lake remains under a warning advisory, as water samples show elevated toxin levels. Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with all water at Lacamas Lake, according to the news release.

Water samples from Round Lake show toxin levels below threshold levels, but an algae bloom is still present at the lake. As a result, Public Health is downgrading that advisory to caution. People should avoid areas of scum in the water.

Additional information and advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website. To report algae blooms, visit the Public Health website.