State health officials continue to warn you away from a lake in Atchison County, Kansas because of a blue-green algae bloom.

Six lakes are listed in the warning, including Atchison County Park Lake.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Lakes under a Warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches 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; only the fillet portion is consumed and all other parts are discarded. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a Warning.

In a news release, KDHE says 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. 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.

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:
ATCHISON COUNTY PARK LAKE, Atchison County
CENTRAL PARK LAKE, Shawnee County
LAKE AFTON, Sedgwick County
MILFORD RESERVOIR (Zones A and C), Clay, Dickinson and Geary Counties
OVERBROOK CITY LAKE, Osage County
SOUTH LAKE (Overland Park), Johnson County