On this, the traditional end to the summer lake season, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, have again updated public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to glue-green algae.
A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Toxins from the algae can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation or aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache.
Warnings have been issued for Carbondale City Lake in Osage County, Crystal Lake in Anderson County and the Melvern Outlet Pond in Osage County. A Warning Status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with these waterbodies should be avoided. Watches have been issued for Louisburg City Lake in Miami County and the Overbrook City Lake in Osage County. A Watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.
You are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
