Sampling results

DEQ plans to continue sampling every week this summer at lakes with a level of microcystins above 2 parts per billion (ppb) and at other lakes 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: August 19 and 23, 2004
Analysis completed: August 26, 2004

The analysis of recent sampling shows:
The following lakes are currently considered in Health Alert status (see below for an explanation of the “Alert” and “Advisory” terms):

Carter Lake (near downtown Omaha)
Iron Horse Trail (near DuBois)
Lake McConaughy (Lemoyne Bay only, rest of lake is open)
Maskenthine Reservoir (near Stanton)
Pawnee Reservoir (near Emerald, west of Lincoln)

The following lakes are currently considered in Health Advisory status (see below for an explanation of the “Alert” and “Advisory” terms). These are lakes that (1) were in Health Alert status, but toxins have dropped to levels considered safe, or (2) were never in Health alert status and are considered safe for recreational use, but levels of toxins currently measure above 2 ppb.

Alexandria State Recreation Area (west lake (1) and east lake (2))
(1) Arends Pond (Grand Island)
(1) Bellevue Rod and Gun (south lake)
(2) Branched Oak Lake
(1) Buccaneer Bay Lake
(1) Conestoga Reservoir (near Lincoln)
(2) Design Data Park Lake
(1) Enders Reservoir
(1) Fremont State Recreation Area Lake 20 (Midland Beach)
(1) Hanson Lakes #1, #2, #4
(1) Hidden Lake (near Grand Island)
(1) Linder Lake East
(1) Red Willow Reservoir
(1) Swan Creek Reservoir #5A (near Tobias)
(1) Thomas Lake
(1) Wagon Train Reservoir (near Hickman)
(1) Wedgewood Lake (in Lincoln)

Levels of toxic algae found in samples taken from the following lakes were below 2 parts per billion (ppb), therefore they are considered a low risk to the public and no advisories apply:

Beaver Lake
Bellevue Rod and Gun (north lake)
Betty Lake
Bluestem Reservoir
Chris Lake
Christopher Cove (near Columbus)
Fremont Lakes #9 and #10
Fremont Victory Lake
Hanson Lake #3
Hawaiian Village
Holmes Lake (Lincoln) dog run
Horse Shoe Lake (near Ruby)
I-80/Maxwell Interchange Lake
Louisville State Recreation Area Lake #2
Lake Maloney (near North Platte)
Mormon Island State Recreation Area
Nebraska Dog Hunt Club oxbow (near Lincoln)
Sailboat Lake
Schramm Park
Two Rivers State Recreation Area Lake #4
Villa Springs (near Springfield)
Wa-Con-Da
Windmill State Recreation Area
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 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 or death of 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. Watch 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 toxins can cause headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure.

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, and for pets.
In other words, a Health Advisory is in effect when toxins have been identified and are at detectable levels in the lake. However, they are at concentrations that should pose no danger. Since these levels are variable, people should use caution, and, if an algae bloom returns, the water should 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.