Public lake sampling for algae toxin begins in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy announced Monday it has begun its weekly sampling of public lakes across the state.

The sampling tests for a toxin called microcystin, produced by harmful blue-green algae blooms and E. coli bacteria. These samples are collected at 50 public recreational lakes between now and September. Samples are typically collected on Mondays and posted online for viewing by the following Friday.

Health alerts are typically issued for HABs when test results indicate the presence of microcystin is above eight parts-per-billion.

NDEE works with several Natural Resource Districts, Nebraska Public Power District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to execute sampling.

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