Public Beaches
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Public Health monitors local swim beaches to determine if they are safe for swimming and recreation. If there is a problem with algae or bacteria in the water, advisory signs will be posted at the lake to notify of the potential health risk.
Whether there is an advisory in effect or not, always take precautions such as not swallowing water, exposing cuts or sores to water, or entering water that appears scummy.
Current beach information
| Swim Beach | Advisories |
|---|---|
| Battle Ground Lake (State Parks monitor water quality) | None |
| Klineline Pond | None |
| Lacamas Lake | None |
| Vancouver Lake |
None |
Water quality data
As part of the swim beach monitoring, Public Health will sample water at Klineline Pond and Vancouver Lake for bacteria and visually monitor for algae blooms. Water sampling results may be up to two weeks old and may not reflect current water quality conditions. For more information, please contact us at (360) 397-8428.
Klineline Pond
Vancouver Lake
Toxic algae monitoring
Algae blooms can pose significant health risks to humans and animals in lakes or other water bodies without currents. Algae blooms are most common in summer but can also occur at any time of year. Toxins produced by blue-green algae may be present during a visible bloom or may persist after a bloom has disappeared. Blooms can also be produced by other algae species that are not harmful.
In the event of a bloom, Public Health staff will take samples of the lake water to determine if toxins are present. Monitoring will continue as needed and signs will be posted at the swim beach to discourage activity in the water.
For more information, visit CVTV's Clark County Close Up video
Bacteria monitoring
Harmful bacteria can also be present in lakes and occasionally in rivers and streams. Public Health monitors fecal bacteria bi-monthly in swim beaches to ensure there are no public health risks.
Ingestion of water contaminated with fecal bacteria can cause fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms after water contact, please contact your physician. To reduce your risk of exposure, Public Health recommends showering and hand washing with soap and warm water after contact with water at swim beaches.
Report a concern
To report a possible water quality concern, please contact us at (360) 397-8428.