Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has added Lacamas Lake to the blue-green algae advisory issued Tuesday afternoon for nearby Round Lake.

The public should avoid direct contact with water at Round Lake and Lacamas Lake in Camas due to cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

A citizen reported a bloom at Round Lake earlier this week. Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon and posted caution signs at the lake. Results from those water samples are pending.

On Thursday, Public Health staff found a cyanobacteria bloom at nearby Lacamas Lake and collected water samples to test for toxins. Caution signs have been posted at the lake.

For Lacamas and Round lakes, health officials are recommending:

• No water contact for people in areas of scum.
• Keep pets away from lake water.
• Clean fish well and discard organs.

The appearance of the blooms may grow and dissipate as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and overnight. Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes, and signs will be updated as conditions change. Additional information and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.

Lacamas Regional Park and Heritage Park remain open. Water within the restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water and remains safe to drink.

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
Communications specialist
Public Health
564.397.7307; 360.518.173
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov