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Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae

 

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:

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:

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.

                                              

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