Blue-green algae impacts 14 lakes across Kansas

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – State health officials say 14 Kansas lakes are being impacted by blue-green algae in a recent report.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) released an updated list of lakes that contain the presence of blue-green algae or harmful algal blooms (HABs). 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 #8, Atchison County
• Augusta City Lake, Butler County
• Gathering Pond, Geary County
• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
• Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County
• Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
• Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County

Lakes under watch-level status for blue-green algae include:

• Amesbury Lake, Johnson County
• Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
• Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County
• King Lake, Lyon County
• Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
• Louisburg City Lake, Miami County
• Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

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.

According to the KDHE, toxins emitted by a HAB can cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and a headache. 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. To see last week’s blue-green algae report, click here.

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