Public Health issues danger advisory at Round Lake in CamasFree

Clark County Public Health issued a danger advisory Thursday for Round Lake in Camas due to elevated toxin levels from a harmful algal bloom.

Public Health advises against all recreating at the lake, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, boating, water skiing and fishing. People should also keep pets away from the water, the agency said in a news release.

Results from collected water samples showed cyanotoxins above the levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health, despite the lake currently having little to no visible scum accumulation, the news release states.

“Don’t be deceived by the appearance of clear water at Round Lake. The toxin level is actually quite high, making the water unsafe for people and pets,” said Alyssa Payne, environmental health specialist with Public Health’s Recreational Water Safety program.

If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness. The toxins can be fatal to pets that drink the water.

Staff is posting danger signs at public access points to the lake.

Similar advisories remain in place at Vancouver Lake and Lacamas Lake in Camas.

Information about current advisories can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches.