According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, “Study finds pollution in coast rivers, hot spots have fecal bacteria that pose a danger to swimmers” (5 Jan 2001), this statement was reported in bold: “Fecal coliform, for instance, can cause hepatitis A, bacterial meningitis and encephalitis.” Fecal coliform is present in dangerous levels in many of the public swimming areas in our local lakes and rivers, meaning that these waterbodies are unsafe for human contact when fecal coliform levels are on the rise. Vancouver Lake and Battle Ground Lake have been closed to the public when water quality tests indicate toxic levels of these (and other) contaminants that could make people sick if they wade in the water.
In May and June, 2004, the local media reported two cases of bacterial meningitis but no cause was determined. Media reports did not indicate whether the victims had any direct contact with public swimming beaches, though one family does live in West Vancouver. In May of this year, temperatures soared to unseasonable highs in the 90′s, and many people flocked to places like Vancouver Lake Park. The Health Department has stated that they are unaware of any reported illnesses that occur from contact with lake or river water. Unfortunately, the general public is unaware of how or where to report these health concerns.
The Clark County Health Department has established a web page that provides residents with the latest water quality results for area swim beaches that are testing their water. So far Battleground Lake and Klineline Pond have agreed to submit water quality results for posting to this website. The Health Department is testing Vancouver Lake every other week through September, and these results should be posted as well.
Daybreak Park, Frenchman’s Bar Park, Lacamas Lake, Lucia Falls and Moulton Falls all have various swimming holes, but do not have “designated” swimming areas. The Health Department is hoping to test these sites in the future. In the meantime, the public is urged to check with the Health Department before swimming in all waters. Please visit the website for water quality test results:
http://www.clark.wa.gov/health/environmental/pools/Public_Beaches.html
