TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have included two Osage County lakes in public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Melvern Outlet Pond, below Melvern Dam, was upgraded July 22, 2021, to a warning advisory for blue-green algae, while Overbook City Lake, at Overbrook, remains under a watch status.

When a warning is issued, water is not safe to drink for pets, livestock, or people (humans should never consume lake water regardless of blue-green algae status), and all water contact should be avoided. If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible. During a blue-green algae warning, fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed; all other parts should be discarded. Pets should not be allowed to eat dried algae. People are advised to avoid all 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 a watch, swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms. Areas of algae accumulation, including dried algae, should be avoided and pets and humans should not consume the water. Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

Signs of a possible bloom include scum, a paint-like surface, or bright green water. These are indications that a harmful bloom might be present. If these conditions are present, avoid contact and keep pets away. Pet owners should be aware 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.

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 potentially harmful conditions.

For more information on blue-green algae or to report potential harmful algal blooms, see www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.