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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory due to harmful blue-green algae blooms. Active monitoring runs from April through October, when water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing are most popular. Blue-green algae blooms can appear suddenly and may look like foam, scum, or paint on the water in shades of blue, green, brown, or red. People and pets should avoid contact if water looks suspicious or algae is decaying on shore, as toxins can be absorbed through the skin, inhalation, or ingestion. Symptoms from exposure may include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

As of now, Frazier Lake in Grant County and Lake Shawnee in Shawnee County are under Hazard warnings. Council Grove City Lake in Morris County is under Watch. Hazard and Warning statuses recommend avoiding all water contact, keeping pets away, posting signage, and not drinking lake water. A Watch means algae may be present, and people should avoid areas with visible blooms. Fishing is safe if fish are properly cleaned and only the fillets are eaten.

If contact occurs, rinse with clean water and report any health incidents at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.