POMONA LAKE, Kan. – A blue green algae public health advisory for Pomona Lake has been lifted after the Osage County lake had been under a warning status since June 8, 2023. Blue green algae advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below watch thresholds.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks usually update public health advisories weekly. Pomona Lake’s warning advisory was lifted June 22.

Harmful algal blooms can 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 (such as direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Anyone or dogs that come into contact with algae should 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.

Kansas lakes listed on the warning list this week are Cedar Lake, Johnson County, Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County, Lake Afton, Sedgwick County, Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County, Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County, Webster Lake (Reservoir), Rooks County, and Wellington Lake, Sumner County. Under watch status are Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County, Dorner Park Lake, Sedgwick County, and Lake Parsons, Neosho County.

A hazard status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure; contact with the water should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.

For more information on blue-green algae or to report potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.