Grand Island, Neb. — The City of Grand Island’s Parks & Recreation Department is advising residents that visual signs of blue-green algae have recently been observed at Eagle Scout Lake. Bluegreen algae blooms are naturally occurring events in many Nebraska lakes and ponds during the late summer months.

Common signs include:

• Bright green or blue-green floating foam

• Areas that look like thick green paint collecting along shorelines

• Unpleasant smells like rotting plants

• Algae that can't be picked up

While not always harmful, these areas should be avoided as they can be dangerous to people and pets. Swimming is already prohibited at Eagle Scout Lake. However, residents visiting the lake are encouraged to: 

• Keep pets away from the water

• Do not allow pets to drink from the lake

• Avoid direct contact with visible algae or surface scum

• Rinse pets with clean water immediately if they come into contact with the lake

• Contact a veterinarian promptly if a pet shows signs of illness after exposure

Because algae blooms can change rapidly and toxin levels may vary throughout different areas of a lake, conditions can differ significantly from one location to another. Even if water appears clear in one area, harmful concentrations may exist elsewhere. The Parks & Recreation Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as additional information becomes available.