Timing is everything, right? Just when the weather is getting hot and school is letting out, Klineline Pond is currently closed for swimming. Water samples will be taken again on Wednesday, so keep your fingers crossed and your sunscreen handy.
Clark County Public Health is closing Klineline Pond to swimming and wading due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria detected during routine testing. Some E. coli bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if water is accidentally swallowed.
Closure signs are being posted at Klineline Pond today after several water samples taken from the pond on Monday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Salmon Creek Regional Park remains open to the public; water within the restrooms and shelters is not affected and remains safe to drink.
Public Health staff observed geese and geese feces on the shore at Klineline Pond. Heavy rains may have washed the animal feces into the water and contributed to elevated bacteria levels. Public Health will collect additional water samples for testing on Wednesday and expects results before the end of the week. The closure will remain in effect until tests show that E. coli bacteria levels do not exceed state and US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
People may continue to fish in Klineline Pond but should thoroughly clean all fish and equipment. Fish should be cooked before eaten. Anyone having contact with pond water should wash hands with soap and water.
A danger advisory remains in place at Vancouver Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from blue-green algae. Public Health is advising against all recreating in Vancouver Lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and water skiing.
Vancouver Lake Regional Park remains open to the public; water within the restrooms and shelters is not affected and remains safe to drink.
Public Health collected additional water samples from Vancouver Lake on Monday to test toxin levels. Test results are expected later this week.
Test results and current advisories are available on the Public Health website.
