BLOOMINGTON— After weeks of closures due to heavy flooding, Lake Monroe is starting to reopen some of its popular visitor areas. As of August 7, the lake’s water level was 546 feet, which is about eight feet above its normal summer pool level. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently releasing 2,000 cubic feet of water per second daily to help lower the level.
Please be aware that our reservoir has just moved into the Yellow Advisory level for Blue-Green Algae. A Yellow Advisory means that toxin concentrations are still *below* thresholds, but extra precautions are advised.
For humans, this means showering after being in the lake and taking extra care to avoid contact with algae. Don’t drink untreated water, and don’t use it for cooking/bathing.
If you have pets, do not allow them to swim in or drink any water where algae is present; dogs are at higher risk than humans of being impacted. Shallow bays with minimal water movement typically pose the most significant risk, but blue-green algae is not limited to those areas.
The Paynetown Activity Center reopened for the first time this year on Friday, August 8, with hours from 1 to 5 p.m. from Friday through Sunday.
At the Paynetown Marina, the parking lot has reopened, and two of the three docks are now accessible. The third dock is expected to be usable by Saturday, August 9, though gas is currently unavailable.
Shelters in the Fairfax and Paynetown areas are also open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors should be prepared for residual mud both inside and around the shelters.
Some areas remain closed or partially affected by the flooding. The main boat ramp at Cutright State Recreation Area (SRA) is still underwater, but the high-water ramp remains open. Several trails, fishing piers, and campsites are also impacted. The beaches at both Paynetown and Fairfax SRAs are closed until at least August 18, and portions of McGowan and Friendship roads near the lake are still closed.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had previously predicted that water levels could return to normal by August 21 if weather conditions remain stable. Visitors are advised to check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website for current water levels and the DNR website or the Lake Monroe Facebook page for the latest updates before visiting.
