County begins monitoring summer swimming locations for bacteria

Clark County Public Health is reminding residents to take caution in and around lakes and rivers. The early arrival of summer-like weather has prompted Public Health to begin monitoring for hazardous water conditions at summer swim beaches early.

Public Health will monitor the water quality of Battle Ground Lake, Vancouver Lake and Klineline Pond beginning Monday, May 13. It will check the waterbodies every two weeks throughout the summer for bacteria and algae blooms that could make swimmers sick, a county news release stated.

The summer water monitoring program usually begins after Memorial Day, the news release stated.

Public Health will issue advisories if bacteria levels exceed state thresholds or dangerous algae blooms occur, which may pose a risk to people swimming or wading in the water.

Advisory signs will be posted at swim locations, on the Public Health website at clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches and on social media.