Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted the closure at Vancouver Lake but has issued a warning for the swim beach. Health officials continue to advise against swimming or wading at the Vancouver Lake swim beach. Public Health has also lifted the warning for the Battle Ground Lake swim beach.

Vancouver Lake

Public Health closed Vancouver Lake to swimming and wading on Friday, June 10 due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health has continued to monitor the swim beach. Test results from water samples collected on Tuesday showed water quality has improved, but E. coli bacteria levels were still elevated in one of five samples. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards. 

While the Vancouver Lake swim beach is no longer closed, Public Health advises against swimming and wading, especially for young children who are more likely to accidentally swallow water. Some E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if water is accidentally swallowed. People who have contact with the water at the swim beach should rinse off after.

Battle Ground Lake

Public Health issued a warning for the swim beach at Battle Ground Lake on Thursday, June 16 after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Test results from water samples collected on Tuesday showed improved water quality, prompting Public Health to remove the warning advisory.

Public Health will collect water samples at all three Clark County swim beaches (Vancouver Lake, Battle Ground Lake and Klineline Pond) on Monday, June 27. Test results and information about current advisories are available on the Public Health public beaches website.