Toxin found in low levels in Stephens Lake

Tests on samples from Stephens Lake were positive for a toxin associated with algae, a state official said Tuesday.

Lynn Milberg, the Water Quality Monitoring Section chief with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said samples taken from the lake were positive for one toxin associated with algae but at very low levels. Milberg said the toxin was present in levels far below those that cause human health concerns under Department of Health and Senior Services regulations.

City officials issued an advisory last week against swimming in the lake last week because of suspicion that toxic algae might be present.

Milberg said officials still recommend keeping pets away from the water and not letting them eat or roll in any scum along the shores of the lake. She said the city indicated it would continue treatment to kill the algae. However, city officials were not available to confirm that statement late Tuesday.