TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County (new)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

Watch

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County (new)

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Marion County Lake, Marion County (downgraded 6/24)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (downgraded 6/24)

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County (new)

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• 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.

A watch 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.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage will 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 potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture food safety and lodging program will host an online public forum on Monday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m. to share proposed updates to the Kansas Food Code.

The Kansas Food Code establishes food safety regulations that govern food establishments. Amendments to the Kansas Food Code will ultimately require the formal regulation adoption process, but KDA is providing this opportunity for interested citizens to hear a summary of the proposed updates and to provide feedback prior to the start of the formal process. The proposed changes to the Kansas Food Code include amendments to regulations that directly impact food safety as well as some clarification of language and updates to some food safety parameters. Some of the changes are proposed in order to reflect changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s model food code, including adoption of the FDA model food code requirement to employ a certified food protection manager.

Interested parties can preview the proposed updates on the KDA website ahead of the forum. To participate in the forum, individuals will need to register so they can receive the Zoom link. At registration, participants can indicate whether they want to provide oral or written comments regarding the proposed updates. Oral comments will be limited to 2 minutes per commenter and will be heard at the end of the public forum. Written comments can be shared on the webinar registration form or via a form on the KDA website.

Registration and draft versions of the proposed changes can be found at: www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw.

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WHAT:          Public Forum regarding proposed changes to Kansas Food Code

WHEN:          Monday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Via online webinar; register at www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw

WHO:            Any interested members of the public

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KDA to Host Forum on Proposed Food Code Updates.pdf