Topeka, Kan. - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health warnings for some Kansas lakes for the upcoming weekend and week.
If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. The lakes currently under a public health advisory:
·
Warning: Atchison
Co. Park Lake, Atchison County
·
Warning: Carbondale
West Lake, Osage County
·
Warning: Central
Park Lake (Pond), Shawnee County
·
Warning: Frazier Lake,
Grant County
·
Warning: Hodgeman
County SFL, Hodgeman County
·
Warning: Lake
Afton, Sedgwick County
·
Warning: Lake
Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County
· Warning: Lakewood
Park Lake, Saline County
· Warning: Marais
Des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County
· Warning: Melvern Outlet
Pond, Osage County
· Warning: Melvern Outlet
Swim Pond, Osage County Beach Closure –
Visitors can utilize Eisenhower State Park Swim Beach.
·
Warning: Overbrook
City Lake, Osage County
·
Warning: Rock
Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County
·
Warning: South
Lake Park, Johnson County
·
Warning: Webster
Lake, Rooks County – Beach is closed.
Webster State Park remains open. Drinking water and bath house facilities are
not affected by the algae bloom.
·
Watch: Atchison
Co. SFL, Atchison County
·
Watch: Lake
Scott State Park, Scott County
·
Watch: Mary's
Lake, Douglas County
·
Watch: Melvern
Lake, Osage County Beach Closure –
Visitors can utilize Eisenhower State Park Swim Beach.
· Watch: Pomona
Lake, Osage County
· Watch: Tomahawk
Parkway North Pond, Johnson County
The warning
on Atwood Township Lake in Rawlins County and the
watch on Council Grove City Lake in Morris County
have been lifted.
A closed or
closure status indicates that conditions are extremely dangerous for humans and
pets. Harmful algal toxins and cell counts are at dangerously high
levels. Any kind of contact with the waterbody is prohibited.
Lakes under a
warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping
facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be
specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not
affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a warning
but contact with the water should be avoided. Hands should also be washed with
clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may
have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a
warning.
Kansans should
be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float
around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there
is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and
keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet
owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a
harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill
or die.
When a warning
is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- 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.
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