County warns of harmful algal bloom in Lacamas Lake

Clark County Public Health has placed signs around Lacamas Lake in Camas this week warning that the lake has elevated levels of harmful cyanotoxins from algae.

Water samples collected from the lake on June 2 showed cyanotoxin levels above the Washington Department of Health’s recommended levels.

According to a county news release, cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Clark County Public Health warns against swimming in the lake while the warning advisory is in effect and asks people to avoid areas of algae scum when using boats, paddling boarding, kayaking or canoeing in the lake. People should also keep their pets away from the lake water during the advisory. The county also said any fish caught from Lacamas Lake should be thoroughly cleaned and their organs discarded.

Public Health will continue to monitor Lacamas Lake and will take weekly water samples during the algal bloom. The county will update the signs around the lake as conditions change.

Public Health also is monitoring Round Lake in Camas and Vancouver Lake for algae blooms.

The county said in the news release that small algae blooms were present at Round Lake last week, but that water sampling showed toxin levels in Round Lake were low.

“Harmful algal blooms can pose a significant health risk if the cyanobacteria or toxins are ingested, inhaled or contact skin,” Public Health stated in the news release. “Inhaled bacteria or toxins could cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Skin contact could lead to rash, itching, blisters and eye irritation.

“If water with cyanotoxins is accidentally swallowed, symptoms could include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, numbness of the lips, tingling in fingers and toes, and dizziness,” according to the news release.

For more information, visit clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches. To report algal blooms in other bodies of water, visit clark.wa.gov/public-health/report-health-concern.