A second Osage County lake is dealing with a blue-green algae warning.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is prohibiting swimming activities at the Melvern Lake Outlet Park campground and swim beach. Wading and all contact with algae at these two areas is highly discouraged. This does not affect boat ramps, lake activities, marinas, lakeside businesses or park camping facilities at these locations.
Meanwhile, Carbondale West Lake in Carbondale is among three lakes, including Clarion Woods Park Lake in Shawnee County and Webster Lake in Rooks County, to go under a warning from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Blue-green algae is highly toxic to people and animals, so direct contact with affected water – like swimming, wading and water-skiing — is strongly discouraged. Boating and fishing, however, may be safe, although only the filet portion of the fish should be used and fish can only be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water.
Drinking water and showers at parks are not affected by blue-green algae.
Blooms can take on an oil-like sheen or they can be bright green. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment 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-gree algae status. Water contact should be avoided and pets should not be allowed to eat dried algae.
