TOPEKA — Another area lake is now under a blue-green algae warning.
Lake Wabaunsee joins Carbondale West Lake and the Melvern Outlet Pond and Swim Pond in algae warnings after an announcement this week by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Blue-green algae is highly toxic to people and animals. Drinking water and showers at parks are not affected by blue-green algae, and if a lake is under a public health warning for algae presence, activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.
Blooms can take on an oil-like sheen or they can be bright green. KDHE says lake water is not safe for pets or livestock to drink, and lake water should never be consumed by humans, regardless of its blue-green algae status. Water contact should be avoided and pets should not be allowed to eat dried algae.
