Advisories posted for several Eastern Nebraska beaches for algae or e-Coli

Photo: State of Nebraska Game and Parks

(Lincoln, NE) -- Eight Nebraska beaches have toxic algae blooms according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and five beaches have high levels of e-Coli bacteria. Nearly all of the creeks, lakes, and reservoirs are located in Eastern Nebraska, and include several major recreation areas.

Current beaches on Health Alert for elevated Microcystin levels, indicating algae:

Tested July 19, 2021

Swan Creek Lake (5A) 14.41 ppb

Maskenthine Reservoir 10.43 ppb

Willow Creek Reservoir >35 ppb

Calamus Reservoir 8.51 ppb

Bluestem Lake 14.64 ppb

Pawnee Lake -- East Beach 28.04 ppb

Pawnee Lake -- West Beach 27.56 ppb

Iron Horse Trail Lake (WMA) 14 ppb

These lakes meet or exceed (or have exceeded) the current concentration threshold of 8 parts-per-billion (ppb) of the toxin, Microcystin, which is associated with the presence of harmful algal blooms. These lakes will remain on Health Alert until a new sample tests below 8 ppb. The reading that caused the health alert is shown in italics if the current week reading is below the threshold.

Beaches with high E. coli bacteria levels:

These sampling sites exceed 235 colonies / 100 ml tested on July 19

Branched Oak Lake -- Liebers Point Beach 921 / per 100ml

Cottonmill Park Swim Lake >2419 / per 100ml

Fremont Lake No. 10 (SRA) 3725 / per 100ml

Louisville Lake No. 2 (SRA) 687 / per 100ml

Valentine Mill Pond 579 / per 100ml

CLICK HERE for more information and updates from Nebraska Game and Parks


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