Harden Lake remains open with good water quality despite tests

Friday, July 4, 2014

BELLMORE --Cecil M. Harden Lake, also known as Raccoon Lake, is currently experiencing better water clarity than in recent memory, according to Harden Lake ManagerJoe Staigl.

White "Water Quality Notice" signs posted around the lake are to inform the public that Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) have occurred at the reservoir in the past and could appear again.

The signs are left up year round in accordance with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Harmful Algal Bloom Response Standard Operating Procedure, which is the Corps of Engineers' agreement with the State of Indiana for HAB response.

Harden Lake beach is being monitored in accordance with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Response Standard Operating Procedure. HAB sampling conducted on June 10 by IDEM indicated cyanobacteria cell counts results of 4,700 cells/mL, which means currently there is no HAB present at the reservoir.

Currently, IDEM plans to resample the Harden Lake beach on July 8.

Cecil M. Harden Lake remains open and visitors are encouraged to enjoy recreational activities.

Information regarding advisories and current conditions related to HABs at Corps Lakes is available to the public at www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/WaterInformation/HABs.aspx and for all Indiana lakes at www.algae.IN.gov.

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