Rooks State Fishing Lake & Webster Lake remain in "Warning" Advisory for Blue-Green Algae

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) issued their latest public health advisory regarding blue-green algae this Friday afternoon, June 28th.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) 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 pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you or your pets come into contact with algae, 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.

Active Advisories

Warning 

• King Lake, Lyon County
• Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County
• Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County
• Webster Lake, Rooks County

Watch 

• Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County (Added June 28)
• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
• Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
• Lovewell Lake, Jewell County
• Woodland Park Pond (Mount Hope), Sedgwick County

A Hazard status indicates a harmful algal bloom, and extreme conditions exist. 

When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
• It is recommended that a portion of the lake, the entire lake, or zone, be closed to the public.
• In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
• When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.

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

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. 
• Regardless of the status of blue-green algae, humans should never consume lake water. 
• Water contact should be avoided. 
• Fish may be eaten if rinsed with clean water. Only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded. 
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae. 
• If lake water contacts the skin, wash with clean water immediately. 
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation. 

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 watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

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

Advisories are Lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

When KDHE receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes, it investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. 

If you observe 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, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals swimming in or drinking water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eating dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.