Toxic blue green algae has prompted state health officials to issue public health advisories for 18 different bodies of water across the state, including a pond at a Salina park.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 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

• Ford County Lake, Ford County
• Gathering Pond, Geary County
• Hain SFL, Ford County
• Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
• Lake Scott State Park, Scott County
• Lake Tanko (Cherryvale City Lake), Montgomery County
• Louisburg Old Lake (City Lake), Miami County (Elevated on July 21)
• Marion Reservoir, Marion County
• Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson and Geary Counties
• Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County (Elevated on July 21)
• Milford Lake Zone C, Geary and Clay County (Lowered on July 21)
• Norton Lake, Norton County
• Pomona Lake, Osage County

Watch

• Carbondale City Lake (Strowbridge), Osage County
• Crystal Lake, Anderson County
• Melvern Outlet (River) Pond, Osage County
• Melvern Swim Pond, Osage County (Added on July 21)
• Rose’s Lake, Johnson County

Lifted

• Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
• Lenexa City Lake, Johnson 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.