Springfork Lake: Potentially Hazardous Algae Bloom

On Monday, July 20, 2026, the City of Sedalia was notified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources of the potential for a hazardous algae bloom at Springfork Lake. As a result, you should avoid swimming & wading as well as keeping pets & livestock away from the water. Do not eat any fish that you might catch. The City will be evaluating the lake’s condition on a weekly basis in relation to the continued presence of the algae bloom to determine when these activities might be safe again. 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, however, in an abundance of caution we believe it is the appropriate action to ensure protection of public health and the environment.