A joint release from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Health and Human Services System & the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension

Date: May 21, 2004
For more information, contact
Brian McManus (NDEQ) (402) 471-4223
Marla Augustine (HHS) (402) 471-4047
Tadd Barrow (UNL Extension) (402) 472-7783

Toxins Found in Algae in Several Nebraska Lakes;
State Officials Advise Caution

Initial tests have confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria, (sometimes referred to as “toxic blue-green algae”) in several lakes in Nebraska. Two weeks ago, toxic blue-green algae was found at Buccaneer Bay lake in Cass County. Water samples were taken by the state after receiving reports that three dogs died after drinking from the lake. Around May 15, two dogs died after drinking water from Hanson Lake #2, in Sarpy County. The state has conducted sampling of all of the Hanson Lakes, as well as other nearby lakes. Samples have also been taken at a few other locations where concern about large algae blooms and sick animals have been reported.

Toxic blue-green algae is similar in appearance to regular, non-toxic algaes, which occur frequently in water bodies across the state. The appearance can be a pea green, blue-green or reddish brown color, and there
may be a scum, foam or a thick mat on the water surface. The toxic
strains of blue-green algae can occur under the right conditions of sunlight, temperature and nutrients in the water.

“While the risk to humans is mainly that of skin irritations, there have been instances of gastrointestinal illness and liver disease from swallowing water,” said Dick Nelson, Director of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regulation and Licensure.

The likelihood of symptoms increases significantly with the duration of water contact and the density of the algae bloom. The severity of the illness is related to the amount of water and toxins ingested. Symptoms for external exposure include skin rashes and skin ulcers. Symptoms from ingestion can include headaches, nausea, central abdominal pain, seizures, liver failure, respiratory arrest and death.

Although recent sampling data is preliminary, it does indicate that there is an unusual and serious situation regarding toxic algae in some Nebraska lakes. State and local officials are advising caution at the lakes listed below in bold. On a statewide basis, the state is requesting that the public be cautious if they are visiting a lake that contains algae. Although generally, the algae would likely be a safe variety, the recent outbreak of toxic algae at multiple lakes warrants extra precautions throughout the state. And, special caution should be taken in the areas listed below, where toxic algae has been identified.

Following is a list of lakes that have been tested to date, and preliminary results.

Ø Hanson Lake #2 was tested May 17. It was found to have high volumes
of Anabaena, which is a toxic blue-green algae. It is believed that two dogs died from drinking water at Hanson Lake last weekend. The Hanson Lakes are located south of Omaha, north of the Platte River.
Ø Hanson Lake #1 was tested May 19. It was found to have high volumes
of all three types of toxic blue-green algae (Anabaena, Aphanizomenon and Microcystis).
Ø Linder Lake which is located near the Hanson Lakes, was tested May
19. Samples from the north shore were found to have high volumes of the toxic blue-green algae Microcystis.
Ø Buccaneer Bay was the first lake tested, on May 4, and samples
continue to be taken. The initial samples showed high volumes of Anabaena. Further testing of the water samples and the tissue of a dog that died from drinking at the lake confirmed the presence of the toxin microcystin in the lake.
Ø Arends Pond is located near Grand Island and was tested May 19.
Unlike all of the other lakes listed, this pond only has one residence (all others tested to date have surrounding residences and therefore greater hazards of public exposure to the water.) It was found to have high volumes of Anabaena.
Ø Woodcliff Lake is located near Fremont and was tested May 19.
Initial indications show some volumes of Anabaena and Microcystis. Although the levels of toxic blue-green algae were not as high as in the samples of the other lakes listed above, they are at levels of concern and more extensive testing will be conducted.
Ø Other lakes tested in and around the Hanson Lake area, including
Betty Lake, Chris Lake, and two lakes owned by the Bellevue Rod and Gun Club, were tested May 17 to 19. The initial samples at these lakes indicate the presence of toxic algae, but not in concentrations that would be considered hazardous. But, more extensive testing is being done on all samples taken to further define the types and extent of toxins in the water.

The state is continuing to take frequent samples from all of the lakes listed above. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been providing rapid initial analysis of all of these samples. HHS and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are working cooperatively in the analysis of this information. In addition, DEQ has obtained new testing equipment which will provide more rapid and detailed information about the toxin microcystins. Results of those tests will be posted on DEQ’s web site, www.deq.state.ne.us as they become available. This updated information is expected to be posted by Monday, May 24.

In addition to DEQ’s sampling of the higher priority locations, UN-L Extension is providing sample kits and instructions to individuals who may be concerned about the quality of the water in their lakes. The University will conduct initial sampling, and will convey the information to the state. Tadd Barrow, UNL Water Qaulity Specialist, works with lake associations to educate them about blue-green algae blooms and nutrient management in their lakes.

Algae blooms can appear quickly, and dissipate quickly. However, the toxins can remain in the water after the algae bloom has dissipated, and the hazard can re-occur if another algae bloom later appears, officials said. Therefore, residents of the impacted lakes should not assume that a clear-looking lake necessarily means that the problem is permanently gone.

Although this type of toxic algae is a naturally-occurring phenomenon, its growth can be accelerated by “nutrient loading.” Typically, potential sources of nutrients could be from over-application of fertilizers, and possibly by inadequate septic systems that could be seeping to the lake.

“The presence of these toxins occurs naturally under the right conditions,” said NDEQ Director Mike Linder. “Our priority is to get as much information out to the public as we can, so they can enjoy our lakes safely. In the long term, we need to understand why we are seeing more of this now, and what we can do to lessen the problem.”

Fact sheets and updates are available at DEQ’s web site:www.deq.state.ne.us and at HHS’s web site: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/new/0504nr/AlgaeFactSheet.pdf