The blue-green algae cell counts and toxin levels remain extremely high in Zone C of Milford Lake forcing a third week of a closed status for that portion of the lake.

RJ Harms, Corps of Engineers Project Manager at Milford Lake went over the results from this week’s blue-green algae testing.

“High levels again, up around 60 million cell count and 3,200 with the toxin level, which anything above a 20 is a warning. So, really high levels of toxin still showing up at the Timber Creek area up there in Zone C,” said Harms.

Cell Counts and toxin levels in Zone B also increased into a Watch Level. Zone A remains clear.

The closure of Zone C comes at a bad time as the waterfowl hunting season opens up Saturday.

“As a precautionary measure up there (Zone C), we’re going to have additional signage really warning those hunters that may have dogs with them for retrieving waterfowl to be extra cautious with that.”

Harms explained that it is unusual for them to see this type of issue this late into the season saying that even the KDHE typically stops testing at the end of October.

“They weren’t planning on coming back, but due to the really high levels and the size of Milford Lake they didn’t want to quit testing when we’re still having issues out here. They are scheduled to come back out next week, and we will continue to monitor this until it finally does dissipate and we can just be in a clear status through the winter months.”

Under a complete closure the Corps of Engineers does place barricades in front of the boat ramps in Zone C and restricts all water contact. Boating and fishing is still permitted under a watch status.