Blue-Green Algae Warnings issued for four lakes

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May 17, 2012|By Chris Durden | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(TOPEKA, Kan.) — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a Blue-Green Algae Warning for four lakes.

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County
Marion Reservoir – Marion, Marion County
Marion County Lake – Marion, Marion County
Winfield City Lake – Winfield, Cowley County

An "Advisory" has been issued for Old Herington City Lake in Dickinson County.

The KDHE samples bodies of water for cyanobacteria, commonly called Blue-Green Algae, when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom.

A "Warning" means high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. You should take the following precautions:

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

An "Advisory" means 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.

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