KDHE warns of blue-green algae at this Harvey Co. lake

Daniel Fair
·2 min read

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a warning advisory for a lake in Harvey County.

The KDHE releases an advisory each week of blue-green algae at lakes across the state of Kansas. These advisories go from watch to warning and then hazard.

Harvey County East Lake was added to the warning advisory on Thursday.

A Warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.

  • Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.

  • 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 the skin, wash it with clean water as soon as possible.

  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

KDHE warns of blue-green algae as lake season starts

Advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

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 or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if 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.

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