Algae bloom along the shore of a Kansas Lake. KDWPT photo.
MELVERN LAKE, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks blue-green algae public health advisory for Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County, has been upgraded to a warning status as of July 25, 2025. Along with Melvern Outlet River Pond, Melvern Outlet Swim Pond had been under a blue-green algae watch status for the last two weeks.
Kansans are advised to remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing, where harmful algae blooms can occur. A harmful algae 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 human and animal contact. Toxins from the blooms 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 any person or pet comes into contact with algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water.
Active advisories across the state include warnings at Atchison City Lake No. 9, Atchison County Lake, Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County; Frazier Lake, Grant County; Gathering Pond, Geary County; King Lake, Lyon County; Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County; Norton Lake (Keith Sebelius Reservoir), Norton County.
Watches are currently at Edgerton City Lake, Johnson County; Elkhorn Lake, Jackson County; Hodgeman State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County; Jeffrey Energy Center Make-up Lake, Pottawatomie County; Marion County Lake, Marion County; Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County; Thayer Old City Lake, Neosho County; Wilderness Lake, Overland Park, Johnson County; Wooster Lake, Lyon County.
The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the state’s harmful algae blooms response operations.
A warning status indicates that a harmful algae is expected or present. When a warning is issued, KDHE cautions: 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 watch status means that a harmful algae bloom is possible and may be present, and KDHE cautions:
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals. Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water. Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms. Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water after any contact. Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
Advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the watch thresholds.
For information about blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.
