Health alert issued for popular central Nebraska lake ahead of Memorial Day weekend

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A popular central Nebraska lake has tested positive for the E. coli bacteria.

In a press release on Friday, the Two Rivers Public Health Department said Johnson Lake in Dawson County has bacteria levels high enough to be a health risk.

When a lake has high bacteria levels, the health department said it’s important to use caution:

• Avoid any situation that could cause you to swallow lake water.
• If you have been in contact with lake water, shower afterward.
• If you have been in contact with lake water, wash hands before eating.

Because of the rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs were not posted around the lake.

The health department wants people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they go into the water.