In the middle of our last heavy rain episode, an Emporia lake had its algae alert upgraded and another was added to the state’s alert list.
King Lake, next to Emporia State University’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, was upgraded from an algae watch to an algae warning. Wooster Lake, immediately north of the ESU Memorial Union, was placed in an algae watch for the first time this year.
Meanwhile, Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, on the watch list for two straight weeks, was upgraded to a warning, while Melvern Outlet River Pond remains in a watch for the third straight week.
Warnings mean a harmful algal bloom is expected or already underway, while a watch means a bloom is possible and may be present.
With algae harmful to humans and animals alike, and possibly fatal for animals eating dried algae, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has different recommendations for interacting with water under an algae watch or warning. For warnings:
*Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
*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.
For watches:
*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 thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
The KDHE report was issued Friday. Exactly how local rainfall totals for Thursday and Friday, ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches in Emporia, will affect this week’s report obviously remain to be seen. More information is available online at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.
*Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short on the current algae alerts.
