The Kansas Department of Health and Environment still has one local lake in a harmful algae warning and another in an algae watch.
KDHE kept King Lake in a warning for the second straight week after it had been in an algae watch for two prior weeks. It also kept Wooster Lake in a watch for the second straight week.
As far as other lakes in the KVOE listening area, both Melvern Outlet River Pond and Swim Pond are now in algae warnings. This is the second straight week for a warning affecting Swim Pond and the first for River Pond.
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.
More information is available online at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.
