KDHE Media Release

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples publicly accessible bodies of water for cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom in Kansas lakes. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

Kansans should be aware that blooms can develop rapidly, requiring lake visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface, or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. KDHE and KDWPT urge dog owners to be particularly mindful of the presence of blue-green algae. Dogs 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.

Based upon sampling results and established health risk levels, the following Warnings and Advisories are remain in place from the previous sampling season.

CURRENT WARNINGS & ADVISORIES

Public Health Warning: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) should be prohibited.

Kansas public waters currently under a Warning status:

MARION RESERVIOR, Marion County (New)
MEMORIAL PARK LAKE (Veteran’s Lake), Barton County
SOUTH PARK LAKE, Johnson County (New)

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

Humans, pets and livestock do not drink lake water
Water contact should be prohibited. Avoid swimming, wading or other activities with full body contact of lake water
Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
Do not allow pets to eat dried algae
If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation
Public Health Advisory: Harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

Kansas public waters currently under an Advisory status:

LAKE WARNOCK (Atchison City Lake), Atchison County
LOGAN CITY LAKE, Phillips County
MILFORD LAKE, Clay, Geary and Dickinson Counties
OLD HERINGTON LAKE, Dickinson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Humans, pets, and livestock do not drink untreated lake water
Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, discarding other parts
Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae
If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation