LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The state of Nebraska has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County.
Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County and Rockford Lake in Gage County remain on health alert after being on alert last week.
Samples taken earlier this week at the lakes on alert measure above the threshold of eight parts per billion of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.
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. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly by avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.
According to officials, people can still use the public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities. Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake.
Weekly sampling has been conducted at 56 public lake sites since the first week of May. The lakes will continue to be monitored weekly through the end of September.
For more information about what to look for, potential health effects from HABs and steps to avoid exposure, please refer to the HAB Fact Sheet on DWEE’s website.
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