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Kan. (WIBW) -The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued Public Health Advisories for several Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae
Water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, along with the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations
KDHE is reminding the public to remain vigilant while engaging in water activities, as HAB could be present
HAB can look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water. It may be blue, bright green, brown or red in color and can develop rapidly
If the water looks suspicious, KDHE says avoid contact and keep any pets away
The following is a list of active advisories for lakes throughout Kansas. These lakes are classified under four statuses: Hazard, Warning, Watch and Lift
Warning – indicates that a HAB is expected or present
- Lake Charles, Ford County
- Gathering Pond, Geary County
- Frazier Lake, Grant County
- Jewell State Fishing Lake, Jewell County
- Lake Scott, Scott County
- Chisholm Ridge Ponds (Clearwater), Sedgwick County
- Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
- Neodesha Riverwalk Park Pond, Wilson County
Watch – a HAB is possible and may be present
- Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County
- Mission Lake, Brown County (Added Aug. 21)
- Pony Creek Lake, Brown County
- Lone Star Lake, Douglas County
- Jetmore City Lake, Hodgeman County
- Elkhorn Lake, Jackson County
- Gardner City Lake, Johnson County
- Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County
- Jeffrey Energy Center Make-up Lake, Pottawatomie County
- Webster Lake, Rooks County
- Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
Lift – advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds
- Kill Creek Park Lake, Johnson County
No Kansas lakes are reported under the Hazard status at this time
KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions based on credible field observation and sampling results
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, visit kdhe.ks.gov/HAB
Learn more about HAB through KDHE’s interactive story and informative video
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