LINCOLN, Neb. – Pawnee Lake near Emerald is again open for swimming and wading after tests by the Department of Environmental Quality showed the level of the toxin microcystin has been below the level that make the water unsafe for full-bodied recreational activities. It was the second consecutive week of lower toxin levels, thereby making the health alert at the lake unnecessary, according to Jim Carney, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions central regional parks manager.

Carney said six other Nebraska lakes remain on health alert status. They are Conestoga Lake near Denton, the east and west lakes at Alexandria Lakes State Recreation Area near Alexandria; Maskenthine Reservoir near Stanton; Kirkmans Cove Lake near Humboldt, and Iron Horse Trail Lake near DuBois. Currently the toxin levels in both lakes test below the minimal safe level and if those levels remain low for another week, they too will be opened to normal activities.

The issuance of a health alert means the state believes that the level of toxins in the water make it unsafe for full-body recreational activities such as swimming. Lakes under health alert are sampled weekly by DEQ and the health alert stays in effect until the level of toxins in the water stays below 20 parts per billion for two consecutive weeks.

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