Health officials in Kansas have expanded their list of lakes affected by blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria
KDHE lists three lakes in our area on the warning list, including Sabetha City Lake, Nemaha State Fishing Lake, and Brown County State Fishing Lake.
Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches or lakes are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms.
Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a Warning, but contact with the water should be avoided. It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as the fish is rinsed with clean water; consume only the fillet portion and discard all other parts. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.
Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. KDHE and KDWPT urge pet owners to be particularly mindful of the presence of blue-green algae. Pets 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.
Public Health Warning: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.
Kansas public waters currently under a Warning status:
BROWN COUNTY STATE FISHING LAKE, Brown County
CHISHOLM CREEK PARK LAKE, Sedgwick County
CRYSTAL LAKE, Anderson County
WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM KIDS POND, Pratt County
MCPHERSON COUNTY STATE FISHING LAKE, McPherson County
MELVERN RIVER POND (Not Melvern Lake), Osage County
MEMORIAL PARK LAKE, Barton County
MILFORD RESERVOIR (Zones B and C), Clay, Dickinson and Geary Counties
NEMAHA STATE FISHING LAKE, Nemaha County
PLAINVILLE TOWNSHIP LAKE, Rooks County
SABETHA CITY LAKE, Nemaha County