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Sampling results
DEQ plans to continue sampling every week
this summer at any lake with a level of microcystins above
2 parts per billion (ppb) and at any other lake where it appears
there may be an outbreak of the toxic variety of algae. Sample
results will be posted weekly prior to the weekend.
Samples taken: June 28, 2004
Analysis completed: July 1, 2004
RESULTS FROM June 28:
The analysis of recent sampling shows:
Two lakes are currently considered in
Health Alert status: Fremont State
Recreation Area Lake #20 and Hanson Lake #4 (see
below for an explanation of the “Alert” and
“Advisory” terms). Sampling on June 28 again
found levels of toxic algae to be unsafe for full-body recreational
activities at these lakes.
Hidden Lake has been downgraded to Health
Advisory status. Hidden Lake is in east Grant Island.
Levels of toxic algae were found at extremely low levels,
and are now considered a low risk to the public.
Levels of toxic algae found in samples
taken from the following lakes are low, and the public should
follow the recommendations of a Health Advisory
(see below). Arends Pond, Beaver Lake, Bellevue Rod
and Gun (north and south lakes), Betty Lake, Buccaneer Bay
Lake, Chris Lake, Fremont Lakes #9 and #10, Fremont Victory
Lake, Hanson Lakes #1, 2, and 3, Hawaiian Village, Horse
Shoe Lake near Ruby, Linder Lake (east), Louisville State
Recreation Area Lake #2, Mormon Island State Recreation
Area, Nebraska Dog Hunt Club oxbow near Lincoln, Sailboat
Lake, Schramm Park, Thomas Lake, Two Rivers State Recreation
Area Lake #4, Villa Springs near Springfield, Wa-Con-Da,
Windmill State Recreation Area, and Woodcliff Lake.
In addition, DEQ field personnel conducted
visual inspections of the Linder Lakes known as middle,
horseshoe, and west. They observed no problems, and did
not sample the lakes.
An explanation of the ratings:
The Health Alert designation
(risk to public is high) means:
1) the initial samples taken at the lake
showed levels of toxic algae at or above concentrations of
concern;
2) the more detailed sampling results indicate
that the amount of toxins in the water are greater than the
level the state believes is safe for full-body recreational
activities, such as swimming and water skiing.
A Health Alert can also
be issued at sites where sampling results have not yet been
analyzed, but unusual circumstances, such as illness of death
or animals and the presence of a large algae bloom, have been
reported. In those situations, the state will conduct sampling
and post results as quickly as possible.
When a Health Alert is
in effect, the state advises people to stay out of the water,
based on the analysis of the most recent sample analysis.
Keep a close eye on your children and pets to make sure they
stay away from the water. Particularly avoid algae blooms.
Most importantly, make sure that water is not consumed, because
it could contain potentially fatal toxins.
The Health Advisory designation
(risk to public is low) means that sampling results indicate
the amount of toxins in the water are at a level that the
state believes is safe for full-body recreational activities,
such as swimming and water skiing.
In other words, a Health Advisory
is in effect when toxins have been identified and are still
at detectable levels in the lake. However, they are not at
concentrations that should pose a danger. Since these levels
are variable, people should use caution, and, if an algae
bloom returns, the water should then be avoided.
For lakes that have not been
sampled, the same precautions of the Health Advisory should
be followed if any of the following characteristics are
noted at the lake: if there is an algae bloom, if there
is foam, scum or a thick mat on the water surface; green
or blue-green streaks on the surface or accumulations in
bays and along shorelines; or if you note a bad odor.
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