KDHE: Blue-green algae warning for several lakes across KS

(KSNB)
Published: Sep. 1, 2018 at 4:28 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued public health warnings for several Kansas lakes and ponds due to blue-green algae.

Health officials say direct contact with water (wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted.

• WARNING: Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County

• WARNING: Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

• WARNING: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County

• WARNING: Central Park Lake, Shawnee County

• WARNING: Frazier Lake, Grant County

• WARNING: Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

• WARNING: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County

• WARNING: Lake Scott State Park Lake, in Scott County

• WARNING: Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County

• WARNING: Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County

• WARNING: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County

• WARNING: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

• WARNING: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County, Closure – Visitor's can utilize Eisenhower State Park Swim Beach which sets on the main body of the lake, located north of the Main Lake.

• WARNING: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

• WARNING: South Lake Park, Johnson County

• WARNING: Webster Lake, Rooks County – Beach is closed. Webster State Park remains open.

• WATCH: Cottonwood River South of Emporia, Lyon County

• WATCH: Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County

• WATCH: Mary's Lake, Douglas County

• WATCH: Melvern Lake, Osage County

• WATCH: Pomona Lake, Osage County

• WATCH: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County

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

• 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.