7/7/2017
The state has issued health alerts for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Swan Creek Lake in Saline County, Rockford Lake State Recreation Area in Gage County, Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County and Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County. Weekly sampling has been conducted at 50 public lakes since the beginning of May.
Samples taken earlier this week at these lakes were above the state’s health alert threshold of 20 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.) The alerts will continue at the lakes for at least two more weeks, because lakes that are on health alert must have two consecutive weeks of readings below the threshold before the alert is discontinued.
When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert.
Non-contact recreational activities such as boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water. Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake. People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.
The lakes will continue to be monitored weekly throughout the 2017 recreational season. Sampling results for harmful algal blooms and bacteria will be updated every Friday and posted on NDEQ’s web site, deq.ne.gov.
If you experience health symptoms, notify your physician. You can also contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at 800-222-1222 for more information.
