Health Alert Issued for Wagon Train Lake due to toxic blue-green algae

LANCASTER COUNTY, Neb. — The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Samples taken earlier this week at the lake were above the health alert threshold.

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, according to the health department.

Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing the water.

A reminder for the public that pets should not drink from the lake or get inside the lake.

People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities, the press release added.

The lakes will be monitored weekly through the end of September and results can be viewed here.