Big Eleven Lake, 11th and State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, is on a warning list of lakes to avoid because of dangerous blue-green algae.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Thursday issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes because of blue-green algae.
Residents should avoid swimming and contact with the lake water.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends these precautions be taken:
• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
South Lake in Johnson County is on the watch list for blue-green algae.
KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.