Kansas City, MO — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued multiple advisories for Kansas lakes due to the presence of blue-green algae, warning residents to exercise caution during summer water activities.
Water Recreation Season Brings Health Risks
The Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB) Response Program operates from April 1 to October 31, covering the state’s primary water recreation season. According to KSNT News, officials are urging the public to remain cautious while swimming, boating, and fishing.
Blue-green algae blooms can appear suddenly and often look like foam, scum, or paint floating on the water, with colors ranging from blue and bright green to brown or red. If the water appears suspicious or algae is decaying along the shore, people and pets should avoid contact.
“The toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and even skin contact,” KDHE stated. “Symptoms can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.”
Precautionary Advice for Residents and Pet Owners
If you or your pets come into contact with algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water immediately. Any health-related incidents connected to algae exposure should be reported to KDHE.
Key safety steps include:
- Avoid swimming or wading in water where algae blooms are visible.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water.
- Do not allow animals to eat dried algae along shorelines.
Current Lake Status Updates
KDHE has categorized lake conditions into Warnings, Watches, and Lifted Advisories:
Warnings (Avoid all water contact):
- Atchison County Lake (Atchison County)
- Frazier Lake (Grant County)
- Gathering Pond (Geary County)
- Hodgeman State Fishing Lake (Hodgeman County – Elevated Aug. 8)
- King Lake (Lyon County)
- Lake Afton (Sedgwick County)
- Melvern Outlet River Pond (Osage County)
- Melvern Outlet Swim Pond (Osage County)
- Ottawa State Fishing Lake (Ottawa County)
- Rock Garden Pond (Shawnee County)
- Wilderness Lake (Overland Park – Elevated Aug. 8)
Watches (Algae may be present, caution advised):
- Atchison City Lake #9 (Lowered Aug. 8)
- Atchison State Fishing Lake (Lowered Aug. 8)
- Eagle Lake (Bel Aire – Sedgwick County)
- Kingston Lake (Johnson County – Added Aug. 8)
- Lake Shawnee (Shawnee County – Added Aug. 8)
- Marion County Lake (Marion County)
- Wooster Lake (Lyon County)
Lifted Advisories:
- Edgerton City Lake (Johnson County)
- Elkhorn Lake (Jackson County)
- Norton Lake – Keith Sebelius Reservoir (Norton County)
Understanding the Advisory Levels
- Hazard: Extreme conditions; parts or all of the lake may be closed to the public.
- Warning: HAB present; avoid water contact, keep pets away, and follow fish cleaning guidelines.
- Watch: HAB possible; avoid visible algae areas and prevent animals from consuming dried algae.
- Lifted: Cell densities and toxin levels have dropped below watch thresholds.
“If you see scum, a paint-like surface, floating clumps, or opaque green water, avoid it and keep pets away,” KDHE advised.
Ongoing Monitoring
KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water when reports of potential algae blooms are received. Sampling and field observations determine whether an advisory should be issued, escalated, or lifted.
What are your thoughts on Kansas lake safety this summer? Share your experience in the comments.
