Kansas issues advisory on blue-green algae threat

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Kansas' Department of Health and Environment and KDWP have raised concerns about the potential dangers of blue-green algae in various lakes across the state, urging the public to take action.

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) can cause significant health risks, including rashes, sore throats, vomiting, and headaches. The state advises against contact and encourages rinses with clean water. If an incident occurs, report it on kdhe.ks.gov/1163. Symptoms can range from rashes to sore throats. The state strongly advises against contact and calls for immediate reporting of health incidents.

The state has categorized lakes under three advisory levels:

Hazard: This indicates an extreme presence of HAB. Public access may be restricted, and in some instances, adjacent land might be closed off. If only certain parts of the lake are closed, the rest will be under a warning status.

Warning: At this level, direct contact with the water is deemed unsafe for both humans and pets. Precautions include avoiding water contact, not drinking lake water, and consuming only the fillet portion of fish from these waters.

Watch: This suggests a potential or present harmful algal bloom. Activities like swimming or jet skiing near visible blooms are discouraged. Boating and fishing are considered safe with some precautions.

Once conditions improve, advisories are lifted.

The KDHE actively monitors and investigates publicly accessible waters for signs of blue-green algae. They rely on field observations and sampling results to report on any potential danger. It's crucial for the public to be careful.

If water appears suspicious, it's best to avoid contact and ensure pets stay clear. This caution stems from the possible severe health implications for animals that might ingest or come into contact with contaminated water.

For everyone's safety, residents are advised to stay informed and take these advisories seriously.