Big Eleven Lake near 11th and State is under a public health advisory because of blue-green algae, according to a news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The KDHE and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism issued the warning.
According to KDHE, the warning means:
• 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.
Other Kansas lakes under warnings are Jerry Ivey Pond in Saline County and Overbrook City Lake in Osage County.
Watches for blue-green algae have been issued for Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County; Marion County Lake, Marion County; Marion Reservoir, Marion County; and Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County.
A watch 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. The water may be unsafe for humans and animals. Animals that swim in or drink water affected by harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae may become seriously ill or die.
According to KDHE, algae blooms may develop rapidly and float around the lake, and visitors need to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, people should avoid contact and keep pets away.
For more information, visit https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/6-13%20BGA.pdf