Subscribe

County lifts toxic algae advisories at Camas lakes

Water samples show toxin levels no longer elevated at Lacamas, Round lakes

By
timestamp icon
category icon Latest News, News
Blue-green algae blooms are visible in Camas' Lacamas Lake on Sept. 25, 2021. On Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, Clark County Public Health lifted a toxic algae advisory for Lacamas and Round lakes. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record files)

Clark County Public Health this week lifted its blue-green algae advisories at Round Lake and Lacamas Lake in Camas, and said the blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have dissipated at both lakes.

Public Health removed the warning advisory at Lacamas Lake earlier this month after test results from water samples showed toxin levels were no longer elevated. The warning advisory at Round Lake remained in place until the bloom dissipated this week.

The warning advisory signs posted at the lakes are being removed this week. However, educational signs about blue-green algae will remain year-round at the lakes and other waterbodies known to have harmful algal blooms. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lakes to continue to watch for floating blue-green-colored scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. 

Public Health has concluded its routine monitoring of local waterbodies and swim beaches for the 2021 season. Routine monitoring of designated swim beaches will resume after Memorial Day, on May 30, 2022. 

Public Health relies on public notifications of potential algae blooms. Reports of algae blooms can be submitted on the Public Health website at clark.wa.gov/public-health/report-health-concern.