Algae alerts continue for three local and two area lakes.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has had King Lake outside Emporia State’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center under an algae warning for several weeks. That continues as of the latest update Friday. Meanwhile, Wooster Lake between Emporia State’s Memorial Union and Welch Stadium is now in an algae warning after several weeks in an algae watch.
Also, the pond at Peter Pan Park is in an algae warning for the second straight week.
KDHE is also maintaining the algae warning in place for weeks at Melvern Outlet River Pond, while also keeping Melvern Outlet Swim Pond in an algae watch.
Algae alerts mean blue-green algae blooms have either been confirmed or are possible. Exposure to blue-green algae is harmful to people and can be fatal to pets or livestock. KDHE has several safety tips to consider, depending on the alert level:
A Hazard status indicates that a HAB is present, and extreme conditions exist. When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
*Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
*It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.
*In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
*In zoned lakes, if a lake zone is issued at a Hazard level, all other adjacent lake zones may be recommended for an advisory status dependent on lake conditions.
A Warning status indicates that a HAB is expected or present. When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
*Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
*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.
A Watch status means that a HAB is possible and may be present. When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
*Signage should 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 thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
Advisories are Lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.
More information about algae alerts, including reporting links and an interactive map, is online at kdhe.ks.gov/hab.
