KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, is actively responding to a toxic blue-green algae bloom at Pomme de Terre Lake.
Effective immediately, Nemo Beach and Wheatland Beach are closed to the public until further notice. The beaches will remain closed until water conditions improve. USACE staff are actively inspecting the beaches and monitoring water conditions.
Recent laboratory results indicate that dense algae blooms near the dam, Nemo and Wheatland Swim Beaches specifically, and the downwind areas in the back of the coves consist of 99% blue-green algae. The algal toxin (microcystin) levels in these concentrated areas exceeded the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Health Warning Criteria for recreational contact.
USACE is posting public health advisory signs in coordination with recommendations from state health agencies.
Blue-green algae blooms are unpredictable, can develop rapidly, and may float or drift around the lake. Visitors are urged to exercise their best judgment. If the water has surface scum, a paint-like appearance, or is bright green, visitors should avoid all water contact.
Dogs are highly susceptible to algae toxins when frequently ingested, so we highly suggest pet owners exercise extreme caution. Pets that come into contact with water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
Drinking water and showers at campgrounds are safe and remain unaffected by the algae bloom. Boating and fishing also remain safe under current conditions; however, areas with concentrated algae or surface scum should be avoided. Anglers should always rinse caught fish with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Hands should be washed thoroughly with clean water after handling fish taken from the lake.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to monitor the algae bloom and work closely with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Updated public health notices will be provided on USACE public web pages and posted at the lake as new information becomes available.
For media inquiries, please contact: CENWK-PA@usace.army.mil.