James Bruggers

@jbruggers

Toxic algae has now been identified at elevated levels in two Louisville lakes, and one in Oldham County, authorities said.

Long Run and McNeely lakes, both part of the Louisville Metro Parks system, and Reformatory Lake in Oldham County, have been added to the list of Kentucky water bodies carrying a warning for potentially harmful algae blooms.

So has the Campbellsville City Reservoir in Taylor County and General Butler State Park Lake in Carroll County.

It's the first such advisories for Long Run and McNeely lakes. McNeely had been sampled last fall but its levels did not prompt a warning then.

A Metro Parks spokeswoman said the two lakes are not swimming lakes. Still, Metro Parks will develop appropriate warning signs. The Kentucky Department of Public Health has also distributed a flier to health clinics to help doctors recognize the illnesses than can be caused by exposure to what is actually a cynaobacteria.

The announcement on Wednesday was made as Kentucky officials step up their response to the discovery a couple of years ago of cyanobacteria in several lakes managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This month the state has also been checking on drinking water utilities, to make sure they are prepared for a problem that's fed by too many nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, including fertilizers and sewage.

I reported on the drinking water issue Aug. 17.

The state has not identified any HAB-related drinking water problems. And all lakes with HAB alerts remain open to the public for recreation, state officials said Wednesday.

But the Kentucky Division of Water recommends people take certain precautions, including:

-- Avoid direct contact with water that has unusual color or where blue-green bacteria have been identified, even if the water appears to be clear.

-- People who are prone to respiratory allergies or asthma should avoid areas with harmful algal blooms. Children may be particularly sensitive.

-- If you come into contact with waters where cynaobacteria has been identified, wash off with fresh water. In some cases, skin irritation will appear after prolonged exposure. If symptoms persist, consult your local health care provider.

-- Fish fillets (not organs) may be consumed after the fillets have been rinsed in clean, non-lake water. It is advisable to wash any parts of your body that have come into contact with the fish.

-- Keep pets and livestock out of water with elevated cynaobacteria.