Blue-green algae detected in 13 Kansas 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.
For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf