TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) says some state lakes are being impacted by the presence of harmful algae.
The KDHE announced in a press release on Friday, June 28 that nine lakes are under blue-green algae alerts this week. These include:
Warnings
King Lake, Lyon County
Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County
Webster Lake, Rooks County
Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County
Watches
Eagle Lake, Sedgwick County
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
Lovewell Lake, Jewell County
Woodland Park Pond, Sedgwick County
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.
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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