Part of Melvern Lake is under a blue-green algae warning.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Melvern Outlet River Pond moved from an algae watch to an algae warning Thursday. It’s the only body of water in the KVOE listening area that’s under an alert, although Carbondale City Lake is also in a warning and Overbrook City Lake is in a watch.
Warning status means conditions are unsafe for both people and animals. while a watch means a harmful algae bloom is either present or likely to develop and both people and animals are encouraged to stay away from those areas.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
*Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
*Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
*Water contact should be avoided.
*Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
*Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
*If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
*Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
*Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
*Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
*Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
*Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
*Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
*Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
Blue-green algae is highly toxic.
