Round Lake tests show elevated cyanotoxins

Clark County Public Health has upgraded its advisory at Round Lake in Camas after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water.

Test results continue to show elevated levels of toxins in the water at Lacamas Lake, so the warning advisory at that lake will remain in place, according to a Public Health news release. Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with all water in both Lacamas and Round lakes.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas and Round lakes on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. The caution signs at Round Lake are being replaced with warning signs.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Health officials recommend: No swimming, water skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, no drinking lake water, no water contact for animals, cleaning fish well and discarding organs and voiding areas of scum when using motorized boats.

Public Health will monitor Lacamas and Round lakes as long as blooms are present, and conduct tests weekly. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Park restrooms and shelters remain open. Water in park restrooms and drinking fountains is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink. Heritage Trail and walking paths remain open for use as long as physical distancing is maintained.

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.