Toxic Algae results
Samples taken July 12

NEWS RELEASE
A joint release from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Regulation and Licensure Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

July 16, 2004 For more information, contact Brian McManus (NDEQ) (402) 471-4223 Marla Augustine (HHS) (402) 471-4047 Jim Swenson (NG&PC) (402) 471-5499

Health Alerts Issued at Pawnee, Enders, Swan Creek and Hanson Lake 4;
Fremont Lake 20 Shows Some Improvement

Test results from specific locations at three recreational lakes -- Pawnee Lake near Emerald, Enders Reservoir near Imperial, and Swan Creek Reservoir #5A near Tobias -- show toxins at levels that are considered hazardous for water consumption or full-body contact. Therefore, the state is issuing a Health Alert and advises the public to limit full body contact and avoid any ingestion of water at these sites. An existing Health Alert also continues for Hanson Lake 4, located by the Platte River, south of Omaha. Analysis of samples taken Monday, July 12, at these lakes indicated that the sampled areas exceeded the state threshold for issuing a Health Alert
-- 15 parts per billion of the toxin Microcystin.

Microcystin is a toxin contained within specific strains of naturally occurring bluegreen algae. Since the beginning of May, there have been a small number of lakes in Nebraska that have had these toxins at levels of concern. These toxins breakdown naturally, often within a week or two after the blue green algae bloom has subsided.

On a positive note, toxic levels are declining at Fremont Lake 20, which has been under a Health Alert since May 28. Because the toxic levels at the two sampling locations have declined to 11.4 and 11.8 ppb, this lake has been downgraded from a Health Alert to a Health Advisory status. However, the levels are still high enough that the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will continue to take weekly samples to ensure that toxins stay below Health Alert levels.

Officials from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are placing Health Alert signs at those locations at Pawnee Lake and Enders Reservoir that exceeded the threshold. This includes the east beach at Pawnee Lake, and an area by the north boat ramp of Enders Reservoir, which is an area where people swim. Swimming will not be allowed in those areas while the Health Alerts are in effect. Natural Resources District officials have indicated that they will place similar restrictions at Swan Creek Reservoir #5A.

When a Health Alert is in effect, the state advises people to avoid full body contact with the water. The main hazard is the potential ingestion of these toxins, so avoid situations that could cause the swallowing of lake water. (Due to other potential hazards, the public should always avoid drinking lake water, whether a Health Alert is in effect or not.) Keep a close eye on your children and pets to make sure they stay away from the water. Particularly avoid areas exhibiting an algal blooms.

The Health Advisory designation means risk to the public is considered low. At these sites, 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 algal bloom returns, the water should then be avoided.

Although Health Alerts have been posted in the swimming areas that were tested at Pawnee Lake and Enders Reservoir, other areas of the lakes are currently considered in Health Advisory status. Because it is not known whether toxins are present at levels of concern in other areas of the lake, the state advises that the public use caution and common sense for recreational activities such as boating. The state suggests limiting full body exposure and avoiding any activities that could cause the consumption of lake water.

What to look for

Toxic blue green algae is similar in appearance to regular, non-toxic algae, which occur frequently in water bodies across the state. Toxic algae’s 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. It can exhibit
blue-green streaks and have a disagreeable odor.

Algal blooms can appear quickly, and dissipate quickly. The toxins may remain in the water after the algal bloom has died back; however the hazard might re-occur if another algal bloom later appears.

All news releases are on the web at http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/new/newindex.htm.