TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is warning people to be on the lookout for blue-green algae growing in several lakes across the state. The KDHE issued an update on lakes and reservoirs that contain blue-green algae on Friday, July 26. Active advisories include the following bodies of water: Lakes [...]
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is warning people to be on the lookout for blue-green algae growing in several lakes across the state.
The KDHE issued an update on lakes and reservoirs that contain blue-green algae on Friday, July 26. Active advisories include the following bodies of water:
- Warnings
- Gathering Pond - Geary County
- Harvey County East Lake - Harvey County
- King Lake - Lyon County
- Lake Afton - Sedgwick County
- Melvern Outlet River Pond - Osage County
- Melvern Outlet Swim Pond - Osage County
- Watches
- Atchison City Lake #9 - Atchison County
- Atchison State Fishing Lake - Atchison County (Added July 26)
- Cedar Lake - Johnson County (Added July 26)
- Eagle Lake (Bel Aire) - Sedgwick County
- Louisburg City Lake - Miami County
- River Pond (Tuttle Creek State Park) - Pottawatomie & Riley Counties (Added July 26)
- Sabetha City Lake - Nemaha County (Added July 26)
Lakes can be classified at different levels in Kansas for the presence of blue-green algae: watch, warning and hazard. The KDHE recommends different precautions to those who might come into contact with lakes afflicted by the algae:
- Watch
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
- Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
- Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
- Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
- Clean fish well with clean water and eat fillet portions only.
- Warning
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
- Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
- Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
- Water contact should be avoided.
- Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
- If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
- Hazard
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone be closed to the public.
- In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
- When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.
Jill Bronaugh with the KDHE says toxins emitted by a harmful algal bloom (HAB) can cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and a headache. Blue-green algae may appear like paint or scum on the surface of the water, according to the KDHE.
If you or a pet comes into contact with the algae, rinse the impacted area clean with fresh water. If you come into contact with a HAB, reach out to the KDHE by filing a report online here.
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