Harrisburg, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – State officials have lifted the Harmful Algal Advisory for Lake Poinsett, over two months since the advisory was initially enacted.
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the decision Monday after testing water samples collected over the past two weeks. The results confirmed that the toxin levels in the Poinsett County lake have fully dissipated and are now within safe recreational levels.
The advisory was initially enacted in September when the DEQ confirmed the presence of a harmful algal bloom fueled by cyanobacteria.
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While the water is clear for now, the DEQ continues to urge the public to remain vigilant.
If residents suspect they have spotted a new harmful algal bloom in local waterways, they should avoid contact with the water and report the sighting immediately. Reports can be made by calling the DEQ at 501-682-0744 or by emailing ee.habs@arkansas.gov.
Further safety information can be found on the DEQ’s website.
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