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Public Health Advisories, Warnings Concerning Blue-Green Algae in Kansas Waters
Note: South Lake in JoCo at Advisory Status
TOPEKA, Kan. – (May 31, 2012) The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples recreational bodies of water for cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom.
When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. Based upon sampling results and established health risk levels, the following Warnings and Advisories are in place.
“WARNING” Status: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) is prohibited.
Kansas public water currently under “Warning” status:
Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County
When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Humans, pets and livestock do not drink lake water
- Water contact is prohibited. Avoid swimming, wading or other activities with full body contact of lake water
- Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae
- If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
- Avoid areas of visible algae
accumulation
“ADVISORY” Status: Harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.
Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status:
- Overland Park South Lake, Johnson County *New*
- Logan City Lake, Phillips County
- Old Herington City Lake, Dickinson County
- Marion Reservoir, Marion County
- Marion County Lake, Marion County
- Winfield City Lake, Cowley County
When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Humans, pets, and livestock do not drink untreated lake water
- Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the filet portion, discarding other parts
- Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae
- If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
- Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation
KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update these statements as conditions warrant.
For questions regarding pond management and aquatic weed and algae control, contact your local Extension office. In Johnson County, contact Rick Miller, County Extension Agent/Agriculture and Community Development, K-State Research and Extension/ Johnson County at 913-715-7000, rick.miller@jocogov, or go to www.johnson.ksu.edu/ponds
MEDIA Contact Information:
Miranda Steele, Communications Director
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
785-296-5795
msteele@kdheks.gov
Ron Kaufman, Director of Information Services
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
785-296-2281
ron.kaufman@ksoutdoors.com
David Kolarik, Chief, Public Affairs
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – KC District
816-389-3072
david.s.kolarik@usace.army.mil
PUBLIC Contact Information:
Toll Free Number 1-855-HAB-LAKE (1-855-422-5253) - Listen for up-to-date lake conditions
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, go to:
http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/algae_advisories.htm.
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KDHE’s mission is to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans.
