Lake Shawnee clean of blue-green algae ahead of busy holiday
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Blue-green algae advisory has been lifted for Shawnee County ahead of Fourth of July holiday.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announced Wednesday the blue-green algae advisory for Lake Shawnee has been lifted. While this advisory is no longer active, several others are across the Sunflower State
The KDHE has active advisories in the following lakes:
Warning:
- King Lake, Lyon County
- Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County
- Webster Lake, Rooks County
Watch:
- Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County
- Gathering Pond, Geary County
- Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County
- Lovewell Lake, Jewell County
- Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County
- Woodland Park Pond (Mount Hope), Sedgwick County
A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
According to the KDHE, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) could look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water. The color may appear blue, bright green, brown or red. HAB’s can form quickly, so the KDHE encourages people and pets to avoid the water if it appears suspicious. The KDHE said in the release that pets may become seriously ill or die if an animal swims in or drinks the affected water or eats dried algae along the shore.
HAB toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation or aerosols and skin contact, according to the KDHE. HAB symptoms vary depending on the kind of exposure, but some may include the following: rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache.
If you believe you or a pet has come in contact with the algae, rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Any suspected HAB-related health incidents should be reported to the KDHE.
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