An Osage County lake is now under a blue-green algae warning.
Carbondale West Lake in Carbondale is among three lakes, including Clarion Woods Park Lake in Shawnee County and Webster Lake in Rooks County, to go under a warning.
Blue-green algae is highly toxic to people and animals, so direct contact with affected water – like swimming, wading and water-skiing — is strongly discouraged. Boating and fishing, however, may be safe, although only the filet portion of the fish should be used and fish can only be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water.
Blooms can take on an oil-like sheen or they can be bright green. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says lake water is not safe for pets or livestock to drink, and lake water should never be consumed by humans, regardless of its blue-gree algae status. Water contact should be avoided and pets should not be allowed to eat dried algae.
