LINCOLN, Neb. (Press Release) – The state has issued a health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County and Glen Cunningham Lake in Douglas County.
Samples taken from these lakes earlier this week measured total levels of microcystin, a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae, above a threshold of 8 parts per billion.
When a health alert is issued, signs will be posted alerting the public and designated beaches will be closed for the duration of the alert. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is encouraged to exercise caution and avoid exposure to water, especially activities that may involve swallowing water. Do not allow pets to enter the water or drink from the lake. People can still use public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.
Since the first week of May, 55 public lakes have been sampled weekly. Monitoring of the lake will continue weekly until the end of September. To view weekly data for sampled lakes, visit https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/.
The state’s monitoring will be conducted at the beginning of the week at public lakes with swimming beaches and high levels of public activity. HAB and bacterial sampling results are updated every Friday and posted on the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s website at http://dee.ne.gov. Harmful algae blooms can occur between sample collection and sample reporting, so the public should use caution if they see signs of an algae bloom. HABs may also be present in other Nebraska lakes that were not sampled. For more information on what to look for, the potential health effects of HABs, and steps to avoid exposure, visit the NDEE website at http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb /ENV042607).
NDEE sampling partners include the Central District Health Department, Nebraska Public Power District, Upper Republican Natural Resources District, Lower Republican NRD, South Platte NRD, Central Niobrara NRD, Lower Loop NRD, Nemaha NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, and the U.S. Army. Contains legions. engineer.
Copyright 2023 Cologne. All rights reserved.