TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a health alert to the public due to blue-green algae.
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum, or paint on the water and may be colored blue, light green, brown, or red. Algal blooms can develop quickly. If the water appears suspicious or there is rotting algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending on the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation), but may include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you or your pets come into contact with algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected health incidents related to HAB, whether human or animal, regardless of the time of year, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.
Active hints
warning
- Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County (increased August 9)
- Collection Pond, Geary County
- East Lake, Harvey County (State)
- King Lake, Lyon County
- Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
- Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County
- Melvern Outlet Swimming Pond, Osage County
Regard
- Atchison City Lake #8, Atchison County
- Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
- Cedar Lake, Johnson County
- Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (Added August 9)
- Louisburg City Lake, Miami County
- River Pond (Tuttle Creek State Park), Pottawatomie and Riley Counties
- Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha County
The danger status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present and extreme conditions prevail.
If a hazard is reported, KDHE recommends taking the following precautions:
- Signs should be posted in all publicly accessible places.
- It is recommended that either part of the lake or the entire lake or area be closed to the public.
- In some cases, the adjacent property must also be closed. The actual safety distances are determined on a site-specific basis if necessary.
- If partial closures (e.g. beach or bay) are announced, the warning status applies to the remaining sea or zone area.
The status “Warning” means that conditions are dangerous for contact with humans and pets. Contact with the water should be avoided.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends taking the following precautions:
- Signs should be posted in all publicly accessible places.
- Inhaling sprays or aerosols can be harmful to your health.
- The lake water is not drinkable for domestic and farm animals.
- Seawater should never be consumed by humans, regardless of its blue-green algae status.
- Contact with water should be avoided.
- Fish can be eaten if it is rinsed with clean water and only the fillet is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried seaweed.
- If sea water comes into contact with skin, wash immediately with clean water.
- Avoid areas with visible algae accumulation.
The Watch status means that blue-green algae has been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are urged to avoid areas with algae buildup and to keep pets and livestock out of the water.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends taking the following precautions:
- Signs should be posted in all publicly accessible places.
- Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
- Avoid areas where algae accumulate and do not allow people/pets to eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
- Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing near visible blooms are not recommended.
- Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may cause health problems in some people. Avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water after each contact.
- Clean the fish thoroughly with drinking water and eat only the fillet pieces.
Alerts are lifted when cell density and toxin concentrations fall below warning thresholds.
KDHE tests public waters for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of possible algal blooms in Kansas lakes. KDHE reports potentially harmful conditions based on credible results from field observations and sampling.
If you notice a foamy or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or threads in the water, or if the water is opaque green, avoid contact and keep your pets away. These are signs that a harmful algal bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals swimming in or drinking water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eating dried algae on the shore can become seriously ill or die.
For information about blue-green algae and to report potentially harmful algal blooms, visit kdhe.ks.gov/HAB. You can also view our interactive story and informational video there.
