LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska has extended health alerts for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County and Rockford Lake in Gage County.
Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County has been removed from the alert.
Samples taken earlier this week at the affected lakes measured above the threshold of eight parts per billion of total microcystin, a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.
When a health alert is in efect, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed. Recreational boating and fishing are allowed, but visitors should avoid activities that could lead to swallowing the water.
Officials say public areas can still be used for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities, but pets should not enter or drink from the water.
Weekly sampling has been conducted at 56 public lake sites since early May and will continue to be monitored through the end of September.
For more information on what to look for, potential health effects, and ways to avoid exposure, visit the HAB Fact Sheet on DWEE’s website.
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