OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Three water bodies in Osage County are now under public health advisories by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks due to blue-green algae. Currently, Melvern Outlet Pond and Melvern Outlet Swim Pond are under warning advisories due to algae blooms, and Overbrook City Lake remains under watch status for algae.

A public advisory warning means blue green algae is present and lake water is not safe for consumption by people, pets or livestock, and all water contact should be avoided. A watch means blue-green algae have been detected and harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop; people are advised to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.