The City of Sedalia was notified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources of the potential for a hazardous algae bloom at Springfork Lake. As a result, Springfork Lake will be closed to the public from June 13 through at least June 27.

The City will be evaluating the lake’s condition on a weekly basis thereafter in relation to the continued presence of the algae bloom to determine a re-opening date for public recreational use. The City of Sedalia believes the closing of the lake until the algae bloom has dissipated is in the best interest of public health due to the concerns related to the algae bloom occurring at the lake.

The concern is that this bloom may be 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 of Sedalia discontinued use of Springfork Lake as a source of public drinking water. Therefore, this bloom presents no hazard to the drinking water supply.