A second blue-green algae treatment is scheduled for today at Vancouver Lake Regional Park, according to Clark County Public Works. The first treatment was July 23.
Harmful algae blooms have been a recurring problem, typically during warm summer months, at both Vancouver and Lacamas lakes. Blue-green algae can pose a significant health risk if cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or come into contact with skin.
Clark County Public Health issued a warning advisory for Vancouver Lake on July 25 due to algae at the swim beach and uncertainty how treatment could impact toxin levels in the water. The warning advisory remains in place.
While a warning advisory is in place, Public Health advises against swimming or wading in the lake and recommends avoiding areas of visible scum when using boats, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing. Fish should be cleaned well, and organs should be discarded.
The county hired AquaTechnex, a California-based firm with offices in Washington that specializes in aquatic plant management, to apply the algaecide. The treatments are part of Clark County’s Vancouver Lake Management Plan.
