LINCOLN – A southeast Nebraska body of water is on the alert list for toxic blue-green algae. The state of Nebraska issued a health alert Friday for Kirkman's Cove Lake in Richardson County. 

Samples taken earlier last week at the lake measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin....a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

Caution signs are posted and designated swimming beaches are closed during such alerts.  You can still participate in recreational boating and fishing but should avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.

Also, don't 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 continues at 55 public lake sites and monitoring will continue through the end of September.