City of Columbia Missouri

P.O. BOX 6015
COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2018

CONTACT: Tammy Miller
Marketing Specialist
Community Relations/Parks and Recreation
City of Columbia
573.874.7465
[email protected]

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Jefferson City, MO
573.751.6400
[email protected]

Stephens Lake closed due to potential presence of harmful algae

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Parks and Recreation has closed Stephens Lake to park users due to an advisory issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, beginning Sept. 20. The state department has determined that there is a risk of harmful algae in the lake. Parks and Recreation staff is working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on testing to confirm if toxin levels are present.

Signs have been posted at numerous points around the lake, notifying park users of the potential presence of harmful algae. Contact with the algae may cause both people and animals to become sick. Park users should avoid any contact with the water and keep their pets away from the water as well.

If people or pets do come into contact with water with algae, they are advised to wash thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible.

Large growths of algae, called algal blooms, can severely reduce or eliminate oxygen in the water, which can produce elevated toxins and bacterial growth that can cause sickness.

The lake closure will remain in place until officials determine whether it is safe to reopen. Under Parks and Recreation’s normal operating schedule, the lake is scheduled to close for the season on Sept. 30.  

For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 573.874.7460 or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573.751.6400.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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