Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has downgraded the advisory at Vancouver Lake from warning to caution. Blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are still present at the lake, but results from recent water samples indicate low levels of toxins in the water.

As long as algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change. Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with water in areas with floating blue-green-colored scum. The toxins produced by blue-green algae can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets.

Health officials are recommending:

• No swimming or water skiing in areas of scum.
• No drinking lake water.
• No water contact for animals in areas of scum.
• Avoid areas of scum when boating.
• Clean fish well and discard organs.

The warning signs at the lake will be replaced with caution signs, which will remain in place as long as the blooms are present. Public Health will continue to monitor the lake and take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Water samples will be collected again next week.

Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.

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