Vancouver Lake put under algae advisory

Clark County Public Health has put up signs at Vancouver Lake warning of a possible bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open.

Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected and remains safe to drink, according to a department press release.

Blooms weren’t detected at the Vancouver Lake swim beach area, but possible blooms were identified at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach, according to the press release.

The department is waiting on testing samples from both locations which will determine if toxins are present in the water. Public Health advises people to keep an eye open for other blooms, while recreating in the lake.

Avoid direct contact with lake water that have areas of floating blue and green colored scum, according to a press release.

Health officials recommend: “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.”

Caution signs will remain posted at the lake as long as the bloom is present and active.

Public Health will continue to monitor the lake through the summer. Updates about closures will be posted to www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.