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Kan. (WIBW) – On Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory for several Kansas Lakes due to blue-green algae
The water recreation season in Kansas runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, along with the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations
KDHE stated that an HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.
The following is a list of active advisories:
- Pony Creek Lake, Brown County
- Lake Charles, Ford County
- Gathering Pond, Geary County
- King Lake, Lyon County
- Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County (Elevated July 24)
- Kirwin Lake, Phillips County (Elevated July 24)
- Webster Lake, Rooks County (Added July 24)
- Chisholm Ridge Ponds (Clearwater), Sedgwick County
- Colwich City Lake, Sedgwick County
- Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
Note: A Warning status indicates that a HAB is expected or present
- Lone Star Lake, Douglas County (Added July 24)
- Elkhorn Lake, Jackson County (Added July 24)
- Jewell State Fishing Lake, Jewell County
- Gardner City Lake, Johnson County (Added July 24)
- Kill Creek Park Lake, Johnson County (Added July 24)
- Marion Reservoir, Marion County (Lowered July 24)
- Strowbridge Reservoir (Carbondale East Lake), Osage County
- Jeffrey Energy Center Make-up Lake, Pottawatomie County
- Neodesha Riverwalk Park Pond, Wilson County
Note: A Watch status means that a HAB is possible and may be present
- Lakeside Park Lake, McPherson County
- Mingenback Lake (Wall Park Pond), McPherson County
If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible atkdhe.ks.gov/1163
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