Harmful algal bloom alerts issued for lakes across Lancaster, Gage and Pawnee Counties

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy issued harmful algal bloom alerts for seven lakes across our state.

Those are Big Indian Lake in Gage County, Rockford Lake in Gage County, Maskenthine Reservoir in Stanton County, Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County, Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County, Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County and Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.

Officials are posting signs at each location to make sure visitors are fully aware of the danger.

They say a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae measured above the acceptable threshold this week.

Swimming beaches will be closed until further notice, but boating and fishing are still allowed.

You’re asked to avoid contact with the water and make sure your pets don’t drink from these lakes, either.

You can find more information on potential health effects and tips on avoiding exposure here.