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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to the presence of blue-green algae in several Kansas lakes.
According to KDHE, Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) can appear as foam, scum, or paint-like streaks on the water and may be blue, bright green, red, or brown. Blooms can develop quickly. If water looks suspicious or if you see decaying algae along the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away.
Toxins from HABs can be absorbed through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Symptoms depend on the type of exposure and may include rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, or headaches.
Lakes under a Warning:
- Atchison City Lake #9 (Atchison Co.)
- Atchison State Fishing Lake (Atchison Co.)
- Elkhorn Lake (Jackson Co.)
- Frazier Lake (Grant Co.)
- Gathering Pond (Geary Co.)
- Hodgeman State Fishing Lake (Hodgeman Co.)
Lakes under a Watch:
- Atchison County Lake (Atchison Co.)
- Cheney Lake (Reno, Kingman, Sedgwick Cos.)
- Edgerton City Lake (Johnson Co.)
- Jeffrey Energy Make-Up Lake (Pottawatomie Co.)
- King Lake (Lyon Co.)
- Marion County Lake (Marion Co.)
- Melvern Outlet River & Swim Ponds (Osage Co.)
- Norton Lake (Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton Co.)
- Thayer Old City Lake (Neosho Co.)
- Wilderness Lake (Overland Park, Johnson Co.)
- Wooster Lake (Lyon Co.)
Advisories Lifted:
- Kill Creek Park Lake (Johnson Co.)
- Marion Reservoir (Marion Co.)
Advisories are lifted when algae levels fall below health thresholds. If you or your pets come into contact with algae, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Report any suspected health effects from HABs in people or animals.
