KDHE
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.
A harmful algal bloom 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 kdhe.ks.gov/1163.
Active Advisories
Warning
- Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (Added June 8)
- Pomona Lake, Osage County (Added June 8)
- Webster Lake, Rooks County (Added June 8)
- Wellington Lake, Sumner County (Added June 8)
- Mount Hope – Woodland Park Pond, Sedgwick County (Added June 8)
Watch
- Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County (Added June 8)
- Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (Added June 8)
- Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County (Lowered June 8)
- Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson & Geary Counties (Added June 8)
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit kdhe.ks.gov/HAB and check out our interactive story.