Toxic algae warning advisory issued for Lacamas LakeFree

Clark County Public Health issued a warning advisory Friday for Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken at the lake on Tuesday showed cyanotoxins above the level recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at the lake’s public access points.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets. Health officials recommend no swimming or water skiing, no water contact for animals, and avoiding areas of scum when using motorized boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing. Additionally, people and pets should not drink water from the lake. Fish caught at the lake should be thoroughly cleaned and the organs discarded.

If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness.

Public Health officials will continue to monitor the lake and take weekly water samples for testing while blooms are present. Signs will be updated as conditions change.

Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches. Algal blooms in other bodies of water can be reported on the Public Health website.