6 Lakes Under Warning, 2 Lakes Under Advisory

TOPEKA, Kan. – (July 19, 2013) The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples publicly accessible bodies of water for cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom in Kansas lakes. When harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Based upon sampling results and established health risk levels, the following Warnings and Advisories are in place.

KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory or Warning, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although 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.

CURRENT WARNINGS & ADVISORIES

Public Health Warning: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact (wading, skiing and swimming) is prohibited.

Kansas public waters currently under a “Warning” status:

BUHLER CITY LAKE, Reno County (New)

COLWICH CITY LAKE, Sedgwick County (New)

LOGAN CITY LAKE, Phillips County

MEMORIAL PARK LAKE (Veteran's Lake), Barton County

RIGGS PARK LAKE, Sedgwick County (New)

SOUTH PARK LAKE, Johnson County

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

• Humans, pets and livestock do not drink lake water
• Water contact is prohibited. Avoid swimming, wading or other activities with full body contact of lake water
• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
• Do not allow pets 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: Harmful blue-green algae have been detected. 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 an “Advisory” status:

MARION RESERVOIR, Marion County (Downgraded from Warning)

MILFORD LAKE, Clay, Dickinson and Geary Counties

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

• Humans, pets, and livestock do not drink untreated lake water
• Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, discarding 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

KDHE will update these statements as conditions warrant.

PUBLIC Contact Information:

Receive up-to-date lake conditions at this Toll Free Number: 1-855-HAB-LAKE (1-855-422-5253).

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, go to: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/algae_advisories.htm.

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