The blue-green algae warning for Melvern Lake’s Outlet Pond has been downgraded.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment now has the pond area in an algae watch, meaning algae has been detected and a harmful bloom is possible. A warning means a harmful bloom is present or expected. KDHE also has an algae hazard status, where a bloom is present and “extreme conditions persist.”
Whenever there is an algae watch, swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near any visible blooms. Boating and fishing are safe, but people need to avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water afterward. Fish can be eaten if they are cleaned well with potable water and the fillet portion only is consumed.
Whenever a warning is issued, lake water should not be consumed — even if there is no algae visible — and all water contact should be avoided. Lake water is unsafe for pets and livestock to drink and pets should not eat dried algae.
Blue-green algae is highly toxic to people and animals. If you see a scum on top of the water as well as a paint-like surface, small floating blue-green clumps or the water is an opaque green, a harmful bloom may well be present.
We have a link to the KDHE information and reporting website online at KVOE.com.
