Spring Fork Lake Remains Closed Until At Least July 25

The City of Sedalia announced that Spring Fork Lake will remain closed until at least July 25.

An evaluation of the lake was made on Friday and Monday, and the continued presence of an algae bloom is preventing the City from opening the lake to the public. The lake will remain closed until the algae bloom has dissipated, in the best interest of public health.

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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. We apologize for any inconvenience closure of Springfork Lake may cause, however, in an abundance of caution we believe it is the appropriate action to ensure protection of public health and the environment,” the City said in a statement.