Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health lifted the swim beach warning at Battle Ground Lake this morning, after the latest water samples did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination.

Public Health posted warning signs at the swim beach on Friday. An investigation into two shigellosis cases identified the lake as a possible source of infection. Shigellosis is an infection caused by several strains of shigella, a type of bacteria that can live in human intestines, and is spread through fecal-oral transmission.

Water samples taken Friday showed acceptable water quality. Results from a second set of samples that were taken on Monday came back today and also showed acceptable water quality, prompting Public Health to lift the warning.

Public Health will continue routine monitoring of the swim beach throughout the summer.

While recreating at swim beaches and pools, consider these recommendations to help protect yourself and others from illness:

• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Stay out of the water if you have an open wound that is not covered by a waterproof bandage.
• Do not swallow water.
• Take children for bathroom breaks every hour.
• Keep children who are not toilet trained out of the water.
• Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.

Advisories remain at other swim beaches

Warning signs remain at Klineline Pond after routine testing performed Monday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health collected additional water samples on Tuesday. The results of those tests will determine the next steps, which could include lifting the warning or closing the beach to swimmers. Those results should be back later this week.

Caution signs at Vancouver Lake also remain in place. Public health posted signs this week due to the possible bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae blooms were identified at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach. Test results from those two locations showed cyanotoxins were below threshold levels recommended by Washington Department of Health.

Additional water samples were taken Thursday to test for toxins since the blooms are still present. Those test results will be available next week. The caution signs will remain as long as the bloom is active and present. Signs may be updated as conditions change.

Additional information and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.

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