NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — People are being urged not to swim in the Sutherland Reservoir in western Nebraska because there may be toxic algae in the water.

Nebraska Public Power District officials issued a warning about the Hershey Beach area Tuesday because blue-green algae had been spotted near the shore.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is testing the water at the lake to determine whether the algae are toxic.

But the utility that owns the lake wanted to warn the public because algae can be harmful to humans and pets in large quantities.

Skin exposed to the toxin can develop rashes and blisters. Someone who drinks water containing the toxin is at risk for headaches, nausea and muscular pain.