Health alert extended for toxic blue-green algae at southeast Nebraska lake

FRANKLIN, Neb. (KOLN) – The state extended a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, samples taken earlier this week at the lake measured above the threshold of eight parts per billion of total microcystin, which is released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

When a health alert is issued, signs will be posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches will be closed during the alert. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water. Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake. People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

Weekly sampling has been conducted at 56 public lake sites since the first week of May. The lakes will continue to be monitored weekly through the end of September.

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