Johnson County lake added to ‘watch’ list for blue-green algae

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and the Kansas Department of Wildlife have issued a public healthy advisory due to blue-green algae.

Amesbury Lake in Overland Park is among the lakes placed on the watch list for blue-green algae.

Watch status indicates that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.

When a watch is issued, 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 thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
• Advisories are Lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms also develop rapidly.

If the water looks to be suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, you are asked to avoid contact and keep pets away.

These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of exposure.

If you or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water.

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