Five Kansas lakes will remain on the health Warning and Advisory lists for harmful algal blooms until blue-green algae sampling resumes next year. One of those lakes is the Hiawatha Lake in Brown County.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment samples recreational bodies of water for cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, when alerted to a potential bloom during the season, which lasts from April 1 to Oct. 31.

When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. During the 2012 season, 207 samples were taken from 40 Kansas lakes across 17 counties. KDHE issued public health advisories or warnings for 24 lakes over the course of the season. Two human illnesses related to blue-green algae were confirmed in 2012.

Based upon sampling results and established health risk levels, the following Warnings and Advisories remain in place until next year’s blue-green algae season, or until further notice:

WARNING: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited.
*** Logan City Lake, Phillips County

ADVISORY: Harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

***Harvey County East Park Lake, Harvey County
***Hiawatha Lake, Brown County
***McPherson County State Fishing Lake, McPherson County
***Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County