DHHS: Five more toxic blue-green algae alerts issued

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued five more health alerts for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), a toxic blue-green algae. The alert now includes the Calamus Reservoir in Loup County, Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County, Johnson Lake in Dawson and Gosper counties, Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County and Oliver Reservoir in Kimball County.

Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County, Rockford Lake in Gage County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County continue to be on health alert.

Signs will be posted in these areas to advise the public to use caution and to inform you that 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 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.

For more information about what to look for, potential health effects from HAB and steps to avoid exposure, check out this Fact Sheet. To view the weekly data for the lakes sampled, click here.