(KLZA) Unfortunately for Labor Day holiday vacationers, toxic algae levels at Kirkman’s Cove Recreation Area near Humboldt are still above the limits set for safe contact with the water. Based on visual observation by Nemaha Natural Resources District staff during their weekly testing on August 27, it doesn’t look like they will be improving anytime soon. The lake remains on “Health Alert Status”, which means all body contact activities including swimming, wading, and water skiing are restricted until further notice. The recreation area itself remains open, and all other usual activities such as boating, picnicking, camping, and hiking are permitted. Fishing is allowed, though anglers are encouraged to practice “catch and release” as the toxins could be present in the liver, intestines, and pancreas of fish.

Visitors to the park are cautioned not to ingest or make contact with the water and particularly to make sure children and pets do not come into contact with the water. Most of the risk associated with this form of algae is limited to skin irritations; however, gastrointestinal illness and liver disease could result from ingestion of the water.

Signs have been posted at the lake informing visitors of the water restrictions at Kirkman’s Cove, which will remain in effect until further notice. Because of the high readings, body contact activities must be restricted for a minimum of two weeks following each high reading. NRD staff collect water samples each Monday, but test results are not available until the end of the week.