WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Two Kansas lakes received public health advisories ahead of Memorial Day weekend due to blue-green algae.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Marion Lake and Norton Lake have been added to the warning level of active advisories.
Kansas recognizes three levels of counseling:
A Danger status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present and extreme conditions exist.
- Signs must be posted in all places of public access.
- It is recommended that part of the lake or the entire lake or area be closed to the public.
- In some cases, the adjacent land should also be closed. Actual setback distances will be determined by site, if necessary.
- When partial closures (i.e. beach or cove) are issued, the remainder of the lake or area will carry a warning status.
A Warning status indicates conditions are hazardous for human and pet exposure. Contact with the body of water should be avoided.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends taking the following precautions:
- Signs must be posted in all places of public access.
- Inhalation of spray or aerosols can be harmful.
- The lake water is not potable for pets or livestock.
- Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
- Contact with water should be avoided.
- The fish can be eaten if it is rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is eaten, while all other parts are discarded.
- Don’t let pets eat dried seaweed.
- If lake water comes into contact with skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid areas of visible algae buildup.
A watch condition means blue-green algae has been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae buildup and to keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the standby state, KDHE recommends taking the following precautions:
- Signs must be posted in all places of public access.
- Water can be hazardous to humans/animals.
- Avoid areas of algae buildup and do not allow people/pets to eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
- Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are not recommended near visible flowers.
- Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhaling the spray may affect some people. Avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water after any contact.
- Clean the fish well with clean water and eat only the fillet portion.
The KDHE says advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels underneath Watch thresholds.
On Thursday, advisories for Lake Melvern, Lake Pomona and Lake Big Eleven were lifted.
The KDHE states that they “investigate publicly accessible water bodies for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algal blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible observations on field and sampling results, KDHE warns of potentially hazardous conditions.
If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small blue-green clumps or filaments floating in the water, or if the water is opaque green, the KDHE recommends avoiding any contact and keep pets away.
These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present.
The KDHE says pet owners should be aware that pets that swim or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shoreline can become seriously ill or die.
For more information about blue-green algae and to report potentially harmful algal blooms, visit kdheks.gov/algae-illness.