TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples recreational bodies of water for cyanobacteria, commonly called 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 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.

A warning status includes high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A public health warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe and direct water contact, such as wading, skiing and swimming are prohibited.

That includes Memorial/Veterans Lake in Barton County Marion Reservoir – in Marion County, Marion County Lake – in Marion County, and Winfield City Lake in Cowley County.

When a Warning is issued, humans, pets and livestock should not drink lake water, andavoid swimming, wading or other activities with full body contact of lake water and clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts. Also, don’t allow pets to eat dried algae

If the lake water contacts skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible. You also want to avoid areas of visible algae accumulation

The only waterway where there is an advisory is old Herington City Lake in Dickinson County.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update these statements as conditions warrant.