Big Eleven Lake on warning list for blue-green algae

Big Eleven Lake at 11th and State in Kansas City, Kansas, is on the warning list for blue-green algae, according to a news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with the Big Eleven Lake water. Also, pets should not come into contact with the lake water.

Wyandotte County Lake formerly was on the warning list for blue-green algae, but it was taken off the list on May 26, according to the KDHE news release.

According to KDHE, lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.

If a lake is on the warning list, water contact should be avoided.

Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clear water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while other parts are discarded, according to KDHE>

Pets should not be allowed to eat dried algae, KDHE stated.

If lake water comes into contact with skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible, according to KDHE.

Areas of visible algae accumulation should be avoided, according to KDHE.

According to the KDHE, a harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away.