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18 August 2023
TOPEKA (KSNT) – State health officials say several Kansas lakes are being impacted by blue-green algae, in a recent report.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) released an updated list of lakes that contain the presence of blue-green algae or harmful algal blooms (HABs). This toxic water hazard poses many health risks to both humans and animals.
Lakes under warning-level status for blue-green algae include:
Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County (Elevated August 18)
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County
River Pond (Tuttle Creek State Park), Pottawatomie and Riley County (Added August 18)
Rock Garden Pond, Shawnee County (Added August 18)
South Lake (Overland Park), Johnson County
Lakes under watch-level status for blue-green algae include:
Kingston Lake, Johnson County
Lake Parsons, Neosho County
Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County
The following lakes have had their blue-green algae advisories lifted:
School Street Pond (Rose Hill), Butler County (Lifted August 18)
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.
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:
According to the KDHE, toxins emitted by a HAB can cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and a headache. 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. To see last week’s blue-green algae report, click here.