10 Kansas lakes under blue-green algae alerts

TOPEKA (KSNT) – State health officials say several Kansas lakes are 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:

• Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County 
• Fossil Lake, Russell County 
• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
• Lake Afton, Sedgwick County 
• Lovewell Lake, Jewell County 
• South Lake (Overland Park), Johnson County 

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

• Amesbury Lake, Johnson County (Added October 6)
• Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County 
• Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County 
• Winfield City Lake, Cowley County (Added October 6)

Lakes that have had their blue-green algae alert lifted:

• Warnock Lake, Atchison County (Lifted October 6)

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.