Lake Shawnee under blue-green algae watch
TOPEKA (KSNT) — A popular lake in Shawnee County is under a blue-green algae watch.
Lake Shawnee is back on the list of lakes the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) say blue-green algae was detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. These conditions pose health risks to humans and animals.
The lake was placed under an algae advisory by the KDHE this summer, which was lifted in July. This previous advisory forced Adventure Cove at Lake Shawnee to remain closed at the start of the season.
The KDHE has a list of the following lakes under an advisory:
Warning:
- Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County (Elevated Aug. 9)
- 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
Watch:
- Atchison City Lake #8, Atchison County
- Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
- Cedar Lake, Johnson County
- Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (Added Aug. 9)
- Louisburg City Lake, Miami County
- River Pond (Tuttle Creek State Park), Pottawatomie & Riley Counties
- Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha County
A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
According to the KDHE, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) could look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water. The color may appear blue, bright green, brown or red. HAB’s can form quickly, so the KDHE encourages people and pets to avoid the water if it appears suspicious. The KDHE said in the release that pets may become seriously ill or die if an animal swims in or drinks the affected water or eats dried algae along the shore.
HAB toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation or aerosols and skin contact, according to the KDHE. HAB symptoms vary depending on the kind of exposure, but some may include the following: rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache.
If you believe you or a pet has come in contact with the algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Any suspected HAB-related health incidents should be reported to the KDHE.
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