Kansas Ag Connection - Health Warning Issued for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

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Health Warning Issued for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae
Kansas Ag Connection - 07/13/2018

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 Carbondale West Lake, Clarion Woods Park Lake, Webster Lake, Atchison County Park Lake, Melvern Outlet Pond, Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Topeka's Central Park Lake (Pond), Lake Afton, Rooks County State Fishing Lake and Salina's Jerry Ivey Pond 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: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County

Warning: Clarion Woods Park Lake, Shawnee County

Warning and Beach Closed: Webster Lake, Rooks County

Warning: Atchison County Park Lake, Atchison County

Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Warning: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

Warning: Central Park Lake (Pond), Shawnee County

Warning: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County

Warning: Rooks County State Fishing Lake, Rooks County

Warning: Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has stated swimming is not allowed at the Melvern Outlet Swim Pond Beach and all wading and contact with algae is highly discouraged. Melvern Lake Visitors can utilize Coeur d'Alene Swim Beach which sets on the main body of the lake, located west of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office. The present algae bloom is isolated to the Outlet Pond and Outlet Swim Pond, Melvern Lake is not affected.

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.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. Human and animal illnesses potentially related to harmful algal blooms can also be reported through this website or by calling the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 1-877-427-7317.

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