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: 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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