Health alert issued for Bluestem Lake, Big Indian Lake

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Department of Health and Human Services said the state of Nebraska has issued a health alert for Bluestem Lake and Big Indian Lake. 

DHHS said the health alert has been issued for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae. 

The two lakes are Bluestem Lake located in Lancaster County and Big Indian Lake located in Gage County. 

DHHS said that after being on alert last week, Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County has been removed from health alert. 

According to DHHS, the samples that were taken earlier this week, at the lakes on alert, measured above the threshold of eight parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae. 

When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are 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. Individuals can still use public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

Weekly sampling has been conducted at 55 public lake sites since the first week of May. The lakes will continue to be monitored weekly through the end of September.