KDHE issues blue-green algae warning for several lakes across KS

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Thursday issued public health warnings for 12 Kansas lakes or ponds due to blue-green algae.

"If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as 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," the KDHE explains.

Lakes currently under a public health advisory due to blue-green algae include:

*Atchison Co. Park Lake, Atchison County

*Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County

*Perry Lake, Zone B (the Slough Creek arm), Jefferson County

*Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area Lake, Linn County

*Carbondale West Lake, Osage County

*Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

*Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

*Webster Lake, Rooks County

*Frazier lake, Grant County

*South Lake Park, Johnson County

*Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County

*Lake Afton, Sedgwick County

Overbrook Lake in Osage County, Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park in Shawnee County and Mary's Lake in Dougles County are under watches for blue-green algae.

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

*Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.

*Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.

*Water contact should be avoided.

*Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.

*Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.

*If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

*Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.