OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Two Osage County lakes are now under public health advisories due to the presence of blue-green algae. Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a warning advisory for Pomona Lake, May 18, 2023, and Melvern Lake remains under a watch advisory for a second week. The only other Kansas lake currently under an advisory, Big Eleven Lake, in Wyandotte County, was placed on watch status Thursday.

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 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, and inhalation, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Anyone or their dogs that come into contact with algae is advised 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.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody 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. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

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.

Scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or water that is an opaque green should be avoided by humans and dogs should be kept 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.

Melvern Lake remains the only lake in the state this week under a Kansas Department of Health and Environment blue-green algae watch. The Osage County lake was put under a public health advisory last week, with that warning downgraded to a watch on March 11.

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 status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
• Water may be unsafe for humans or animals.
• Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people or 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 well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

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, is advised to 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.

Area Girl Scouts have some springtime activities coming up, beginning with a STEM camp June 10-11, and a fishing outing on June 24, 2023.

The STEM Camp will be 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11 at Camp Double E, near Emporia.

During the weekend, girls will have learn how citizen scientists make observations, collect data, and work with others to receive feedback on their research. The Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey is designed to help explore participants’ interests, gain new skills and make a difference in their communities with citizen science. There will also be games, time outside and picture taking. Scouts will be able to earn the Think Like a Citizen Scientist badge, which will be provided.

This event is for girls kindergarten age to fifth grade. Register by June 10. Camp Double E, is at 794 Road 200, Emporia, Kan.

During the “Me and My Buddy Fishing” event, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 24, girls will reel in their buddies, grab a chair and pole, and cast a line at Council Grove City Lake. The family event is a fishing and water safety awareness experience. The local Corps of Engineers officers will educate Girl Scouts and their families on water safety while fishing and how to have a great outdoor experience at the beautiful lake. A game warden will also be there to talk and teach about local wildlife. Poles will be available to use at this catch and release event. Participants must comply with Kansas fishing regulations and obtain a fishing license prior to the event for anyone age 16 to 74.

For more information or to register for either outing, contact Paula Roper at paularoper@att.net.