TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae Thursday.

Warning

  • Gathering Pond at Milford Reservoir, Geary County
  • Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County
  • Peter Pan Pond, Lyon County (new)
  • Marion Reservoir, Marion County
  • Marion Lake, Marion County

Watch

  • Mission Lake, Brown County (new)
  • Kanopolis Reservoir, Ellsworth County
  • Lake Perry Zone C and Zone D, Jefferson County (Zone C new)
  • Cheney Lake, Reno/Kingman/Sedgwick Counties
  • Rock Garden Pond, Shawnee County
  • Washington County State Fishing Lake, Washington County (new)

KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken with the issued warning:

  • 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.

A watch 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.

KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken during a watch status:

  • Signage will 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 portion only.

KDHE said Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, click here. KDHE said they update the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.