June 15, 2012
Cedar Bluff added to Advisory List, Old Herington City on Warning List
TOPEKA — Because blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHW) has issued a new Public Health Advisory for Cedar Bluff Reservoir and a Public Health Warning for Herington Old City Lake. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Although these lakes are under alert, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING

A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited. Kansas public waters currently under “Warning” status:

Memorial/Veterans Lake – Great Bend, Barton County
Old Herington City Lake, Dickinson County (previously an Advisory)

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water
• Don’t swim, wade or engage in other activities with full body contact of lake water, including skiing or jet-skiing
• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
• Do not allow pets or livestock to eat dried algae
• If lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock. Kansas public waters currently under “Advisory” status.

Cedar Bluff reservoir — Trego County (new listing)
Milford Reservoir – Geary, Riley and Clay counties
Lovewell Reservoir – Jewell County
Logan City Lake – Phillips County
Marion Reservoir – Marion County
Winfield City Lake – Cowley County
Overland Park South Lake – Johnson County

When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Don’t let people, pets and livestock drink untreated lake water
• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
• Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae
• If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. Blue-green algae toxins can also cause deaths in pets.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at kdheks.gov/algae-illness.
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