This brightly colored scum has made several Kansas lakes unsafe, state says. Here’s how

You might want to be careful about which lakes you visit this summer in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued blue-green algae warnings and watches for several lakes in Kansas.

This means that harmful algal bloom could or has occurred in these lakes, which means it’s dangerous to come in contact with the water.

“If the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact,” the KDHE press release said .

Two lakes in Sedgwick County are under a watch: Woodland Park Pond in Mount Hope and Eagle Lake in Bel Aire. The other three Kansas lakes under a watch are Harvey County East Lake , Lake Shawnee in Shawnee County and Lovewell Lake in Jewell County.

Less severe than a warning, a watch means that blue-green algae has been detected and could lead to harmful bacteria.

“People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water,” says the KDHE press release.

When under a watch, signage is posted at all access locations. Water may be unsafe for both humans and animals, especially areas of algae accumulation. Swimming, wading, jet skiing and skiing are all discouraged when visible blooms are present.

Boating and fishing are still allowed, but direct contact with water should be avoided.

Harmful algal blooms are naturally occurring. They happen when algae colonies grow out of control and become toxic to people and animals , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A warning means conditions are deemed unsafe and contact with the water should be completely avoided, both for people and pets.

Four Kansas lakes are currently under a warning — King Lake in Lyon County, Marion Lake in Marion County, Rooks State Fishing Lake in Rooks County and Webster Lake , also in Rooks County.

When under a warning, lakes are expected to post signage on all public access locations.

Contact with the harmful algae can result in rashes, vomiting, fever, headache, sore throat and diarrhea. If you believe you have come in contact with the algae, KDHE recommends you rinse the contacted area with fresh water.

If you believe you or your pet may have had health effects due to contact with the algae, you can report the incident on KDHE’s website.