After evaluating the condition of Spring Fork Lake on Friday, Aug. 5, the City of Sedalia determined the lake would reopen for public recreational use beginning on the same day. The City closed the lake on June 13 for public use in what was believed to be in the best interest of public health due to a concern related to an algae bloom.
The concern was that the bloom was a blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water. In warm, nutrient-rich environments, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly, creating blooms that spread across the water’s surface. These blooms can create toxins that are harmful to humans and pets. An algae bloom of this type is not unusual.
Several years ago, the City discontinued the use of Spring Fork Lake as a source of public
drinking water. Therefore, the City offered reassurances that this bloom presented no hazard to the drinking water supply.
