Caution needed at lakes around Wichita ahead of Labor Day weekend
1 September 2023
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Those wanting to enjoy the Labor Day weekend on the lake may need to exercise caution and watch for blue-green algae.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its blue-green algae advisory on Friday, adding one lake.
Ellis City Lake in Ellis County was added to the warning advisory, while Santa Fe Lake in Butler County was lowered to a watch status.
River Pond in Pottawatomie and Riley Counties was lifted from the advisory.
Here are the Kansas lakes under a warning advisory:
Ellis City Lake, Ellis County (Added Sept. 1)
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
Lovewell Lake, Jewell County
Rock Garden Pond, Shawnee County
South Lake (Overland Park), Johnson County
Here are the Kansas lakes under a watch advisory:
Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County (Lowered Sept. 1)
Fossil Lake, Russell County
Jeffrey Energy Center Make Up Lake, Pottawatomie County
Lake Parsons, Neosho County
Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County
The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels:
A hazard status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present and extreme conditions exist.
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.
A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
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 the skin, wash it with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
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.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
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 potable water and eat fillet portions only.
Advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.
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.