News Release Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
The state has issued health alerts for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County, Johnson Lake in Dawson and Gosper counties, and Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.
The Health Alert designation for Harmful Algal Blooms (also referred to as “toxic blue-green algae”) means that the state has determined that the level of toxins in the water make it potentially unsafe for full-body recreational activities, such as swimming. The toxin being measured is microcystin, which is generated from certain strains of blue-green algae.
During a Health Alert at a public lake, signs will be posted advising the public to use caution. Affected swimming beaches will be closed. Boating and other recreational activities will be allowed, but the public will be advised to use caution and avoid prolonged exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.
Samples taken earlier this week at these lakes were above the health alert threshold of 8 parts-per-billion (ppb) of total microcystin (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae).
This is a lower threshold than previous years, based on recommendations issued in 2019 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Previously, the State of Nebraska had set a limit of 20 ppb but adopted the new limits after concluding that the new EPA threshold is based on the best scientific evidence available, and is protective of public health.
For more information click HERE.