Six bodies of water across Kansas are currently under a blue-green algae watch.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says a watch means a harmful algae bloom has been detected or is expected to happen. You don’t necessarily need to avoid the entire lake, but you’ll want watch out for places where algae has accumulated and keep your pets away from these areas. The KDHE recommends the following precautions for a lake that has been placed under a watch:
- Signage will 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 well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
An algae watch is in place for the current bodies of water:
- Kanopolis Reservoir, Ellsworth County
- Gathering Pond at Milford Reservoir, Geary County
- Lake Perry Zone D, Jefferson County
- Marion County Lake, Marion County
- Cheney Lake, Reno/Kingman/Sedgwick Counties
- Rock Garden Pond, Shawnee County
More information on algae blooms can be found at the following link. KDHE Harmful Algal Blooms
