Kansas: blue-green algae alerts updated

Logan City Lake upgraded to “Warning” level; Milford State
Park cancels boat race

TOPEKA, KS – In recent testing of Kansas lakes
by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE),
blue-green algae levels in several lakes remain high. Logan City
Lake, previously listed in the lower category of “Advisory,” has
been upgraded to a “Warning” status.

In addition, Milford Reservoir remains under an Advisory, and
Milford State Park has cancelled the “Float Your Boat” cardboard
boat race scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20. The park will have Free
Park Entrance Days Aug. 20-21. Blue-green algae do not affect the
drinking water in state parks, and all campgrounds, marinas, and
other lakeside businesses remain open for business.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae
when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful
algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas
Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, responds by informing
the public of these conditions.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The
most common complaints after recreational exposure include
vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory
symptoms. These toxins also cause deaths in pets.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health
risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A “Warning” is
issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been
detected. A “Public Health Warning” indicates that water conditions
are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming)
should not occur.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded
the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for
recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

Santa Fe Lake – Augusta, Butler County;

Memorial Park Lake – Great Bend, Barton County;

Rigg’s Park Lake – Haysville, Sedgwick County;

Warnock Lake – Atchison County;

Harvey County East Lake – Harvey County; and

Augusta City Lake – Augusta, Butler County; and

Logan City Lake – Phillips County (new listing).

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

do not drink lake water;

do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake
water;

clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all
other parts; and

keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

An “Advisory” is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been
detected. A “Public Health Advisory” indicates that a hazardous
condition exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing
may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming)
is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public
waters:

Big Hill Reservoir – Labette County;

Marion County Lake – Marion County;

Hillsdale Reservoir – Miami County;

Milford Reservoir – Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties; and

Cheney Reservoir – Reno, Kingman, and Sedgwick counties.

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

do not drink lake water;

avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full body contact
with lake water;

clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all
other parts; and

keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update
statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and
algae blooms, including up-to-date advisories and Warnings, can be
found at online at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.