A photograph shows a past blue-green algae bloom at an Osage County lake. KDHE photo.
For the second week in July, Melvern Outlet River Pond and Melvern Outlet Swim Pond remain under a Kansas Department of Health and Environment warning advisory, due to the presence of blue-green algae.
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 field observation and sampling results, KDHE issues public health advisories according to levels of blue-green algae present, either a watch, warning, or hazard.
The Melvern Lake Outlet ponds are under a warning status, which indicates conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure, and contact with the waterbodies should be avoided.
Other lakes across the state under a warning advisory are the Gathering Pond, Geary County; Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County; King Lake, Lyon County; and Lake Afton, Sedgwick County.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
- Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
- Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
- Water contact should be avoided.
- Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
- If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
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 pets 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. Any person or pets that comes into contact with algae, should rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected harmful algal bloom-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.
KDHE also issued watch advisories for the following Kansas lakes: Atchison City Lake #9, Atchison County; Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County; Cedar Lake, Johnson County; Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County; Louisburg City Lake, Miami County; River Pond, Tuttle Creek State Park, Pottawatomie and Riley counties; Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha County. A watch has been lifted as of July 26, 2024, for Rooks County State Fishing Lake.
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.
A hazard status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. There are currently no hazard advisories in effect in the state.
Anyone who observes a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, should avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that 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.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.
Information thanks to KDHE and KDWP.
