TOPEKA (KSNT) – State health officials have issued and adjusted harmful algal bloom (HAB) public health advisories for a number of lakes across Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) released an updated list of lakes that contain blue-green algae and/or harmful algal blooms (HAB) on Friday, July 25. This toxic water hazard poses many health risks to both humans and animals.
Lakes under warning-level status for blue-green algae include:
- Atchison City Lake #9, Atchison County.
- Atchison County Lake, Atchison County (elevated to warning on July 25).
- Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County.
- Frazier Lake, Grant County.
- Gathering Pond, Geary County.
- King Lake, Lyon County (elevated to warning on July 25).
- Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County (elevated to warning on July 25).
- Norton Lake (Keith Sebelius Reservoir), Norton County (elevated to warning on July 25).
Lakes under watch-level status for blue-green algae include:
- Edgerton City Lake, Johnson County.
- Elkhorn Lake, Jackson County (lowered to watch on July 25).
- Hodgeman State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (lowered to watch on July 25).
- Jeffrey Energy Center Make-up Lake, Pottawatomie County.
- Marion County Lake, Marion County.
- Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County.
- Thayer Old City Lake, Neosho County.
- Wilderness Lake (Overland Park), Johnson County.
- Wooster Lake, Lyon County.
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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.
Toxins emitted by an HAB can cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and a headache, according to the KDHE. 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.
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