(KLZA)-- The Environmental Protection Agency has dropped the health alert level for Blue Green Algae from 20 to 8 parts-per-billion of microcystin toxin. 

The change will be used statewide in Nebraska when evaluating whether body contact activities such as swimming and wading should be allowed in lakes.

In the Nemaha Natural Resources District Annual Report,  it says this change will likely impact the beach areas of Nemaha NRD parks with more frequent health alerts, particularly at Kirkman's Cove northwest of  Humboldt and at Iron Horse Trail Lake near DuBois.  Both lakes have a history of  high toxin levels. 

Nemaha NRD lakes are sampled every Monday during the recreation season.  It is suggested that a visual inspection should always be used by swimmers and if algae is present, it is best to be cautious and stay out of the water.  

Pets are very susceptible to health issues since they often drink water from the lakes.  

The latest Nemaha NRD status for  lakes is posted on the District website and on their Facebook page.