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