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Lakes on alert for toxic algae this holiday weekend

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May 24, 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 one lake.

  • Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County

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" has been issued for five Kansas lakes.

  • Old Herington City Lake in Dickinson County
  • Marion Reservoir – Marion, Marion County
  • Marion County Lake – Marion, Marion County
  • Winfield City Lake – Winfield, Cowley County
  • Logan City Lake, Phillips County

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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Last summer's extreme heat led to blue-green algae warnings at 38 different Kansas lakes. Seven people got sick and five dogs died because of the toxic algae.

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