BUCKEYE LAKE, Ohio (AP) – The state is checking algae toxin levels in central Ohio’s Buckeye Lake after finding high levels in some samples from the water, which has been kept low for over a year as a deteriorated dam is replaced.

The toxin can sicken people and kill pets, so it’s a concern as officials let the lake fill up more this summer to accommodate more boating and fishing and draw visitors.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the Department of Natural Resources is testing water quality at boat ramps and docks.

ODNR hadn’t done that testing for recreational purposes since the beaches were closed last year amid the dam project, but the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency had tested for other purposes. Its samples taken last month showed some high levels of the toxin microcystin.