TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae. 

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1163. 

Active Advisories 

Warning 

Carbondale City Lake (Strowbridge), Osage County

Colwich City Lake, Sedgwick County (Added on September 2)

Crystal Lake, Anderson County

Ford County Lake, Ford County

Gathering Pond, Geary County 

Hain SFL, Ford County 

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County 

Kingston Lake, Johnson County (Added on September 2)

Melvern Outlet (River) Pond, Osage County 

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary and Clay County 

Rooks County SFL, Rooks County (Added on September 2)

Summercrest Lake, Johnson County 

Watch

Lake Scott State Park, Scott County

Louisburg Old Lake (City Lake), Miami County (Lowered on September 2)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County 

Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson and Geary Counties (Added on September 2)

Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County (Added on September 2)

Overbrook City Lake, Osage County 

 

A Warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. 

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.  

A Watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken: 

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations. 
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals. 
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water. 
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms. 
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact. 
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only. 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.  

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque 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 https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.  

###

NEWS

Former Zoning Administrator explains KORA requests

thumb

During the weekly meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, the Linn County Commissioners heard from former county employee Darin Wilson who served previously as the Planning and Zoning Administrator. Wilson told commissioners that the KORA (Kansas Open Records Act) requests he had made were... [More]

Pleasanton Council overrides mayor veto on firefighter appointments

thumb

The Pleasanton Council met at their regularly scheduled meeting Monday and Councilman Aaron Portmann immediately read a prepared statement concerning Ordinance 2065 that Mayor Mathew Young vetoed that tried to take appointment of firefighters from the mayor and put it on the... [More]

Snyder appointed Linn County Register of Deeds

thumb

Following the retirement of long-time Linn County Register of Deeds Kristy Schmitz, the Linn County Republican Central Committee held a convention Sunday to appoint a new Register of Deeds. Central Committee Chair Becky Johnson held the role call of committee people and 20... [More]

More News

SPORTS

Prairie View football stays on top of their district with big win over Girard

thumb

The Prairie View Buffalos are in 3A District 2 and currently hold the number one seed in that district. The Buffalos 49-20 win over Girard gave them a great chance to be District champions. This week the Buffalos travel to Iola for their final district game and will seal the... [More]

Prairie View volleyball finishes season at Girard

thumb

The Prairie View volleyball team finished their regular season games at Iola this past week as they had a Pioneer League triangular against Iola and Osawatomie. They were in the 3A Regional quad at Girard on Oct. 20 and finished their season there going 1-2. To see the full... [More]

Jays lock in league runner up spot at Uniontown

thumb

Just as the week before, Pleasanton turned first-half takeaways into touchdowns and won at Uniontown last Friday night, 45-12, in a Three Rivers League and Class 1-A, District 1 matchup. The win assures the Blu-Jays of at least their third consecutive second-place finish in... [More]

More Sports

COMMUNITY

Mound City Community Garden

thumb

A new community garden is growing in Mound City. Located directly west of Food Fair on Main Street and christened the Cultivate Kindness Garden, it has taken root thanks to the hard work of several local residents.  Headed by Shayna Lamb with the help of Sue Vicory, along... [More]

Kelley honored - Instructor of the Year

thumb

Shelly Kelley is honored as the ACMHCK Mental Health First Aid Trainer of the Year! This recognition highlights the significant impact that Shelly and the MHFA team are having by equipping our communities with essential tools to support mental health and save lives. “Receiving... [More]

A few things to know about football

thumb

What do rugby and soccer have in common? They are the two sports that American Football originated from. The first football game was played between Rutgers and Princeton Universities in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Nov. 6, 1869. But the game looked much different than the football... [More]

More Community

PLEASANTON WEATHER

Today's e-Edition

View Legals for Free