Vancouver Lake swim beach closed due to E. coli levelsFree

Clark County Public Health is closing the Vancouver Lake swim beach due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.

E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed, according to Public Health.

Public Health issued a warning for the swim beach on June 2 after one water sample collected during routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.

Additional water samples collected by Public Health on Monday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, prompting Public Health to close the lake to swimming and wading. People who fish at Vancouver Lake should take precautions to avoid water contact and should thoroughly clean all fish and equipment, according to Public Health.

The closure will remain in effect until tests show that E. coli bacteria levels do not exceed state and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Public Health will advise the public when water contact is considered safe again.

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

Test results and information about current advisories posted by Public Health can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.