News Release: Kansas Blue-Green Algae Warnings & Advisories

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE DETECTED IN NINE KANSAS LAKES

Most facilities open for recreation; KDHE recommends caution

TOPEKA — Blue-green algae are natural, common bacteria in all waters of Kansas. Ordinarily, they are not harmful to humans or aquatic life, but under certain conditions — especially during the heat of the summer — they can multiply rapidly, resulting in a “bloom.” When this happens, blooms may release toxins that are dangerous to fish, pets, and humans. Some algae blooms look like foam or a thick slurry. They can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like paint floating on the water. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. Algae blooms should be considered Nature’s warning signs saying, “Stay out of the water.”

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when they are alerted to a potential algae bloom. When problems arise, they cooperate with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and federal officials to inform the public.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE is currently issuing warnings and advisories, and lake users should understand these two terms.

A “warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Warning” indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should be avoided. Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under warning:

• Perry Reservoir, Jefferson County — Rock Creek Arm;
• Perry Reservoir — Old Town Public Use Area;
• Marion County Lake;
• Memorial Park Lake, Great Bend, Barton County; and
• Meade State Lake, Meade County.

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

• do not drink lake water;
• avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full-body contact of lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

As a result of the warning at the two Perry Reservoir locations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and KDWPT have closed the Perry Park Corps of Engineers Swim Beach and the Perry State Park Beach. Park users should note that this closure only affects these two beaches. The parks, marinas, and lakeside businesses around Perry Reservoir are open for business as usual, including camping and other recreational activities. The drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom.

An “advisory is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Advisory” indicates that a hazardous “condition” exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.
KDHE has issue an advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

• Perry Reservoir (the entire lake), Jefferson County;
• Big Hill Reservoir, Labette County;
• Marion Reservoir, Marion County;
• Old Herington City Lake, Dickinson County; and
• Logan City Lake, Phillips County.

In addition, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• do not drink lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

“I hope anyone going to one of the lakes takes time to understand KDHE’s advisories and warnings,” said KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison. “People should use common sense and follow KDHE’s precautions, but there’s no need to panic. Our state park facilities still remain the very best places to enjoy the outdoors, even in the heat of summer.”

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date advisories and warnings, can be found at online at Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Harmful Algal Bloom.
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BLUE-GREEN ALGAE INFORMATION

Blue-green algae look like simple aquatic plants but they’re really a type of bacteria called Cyanobacteria. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when they are alerted to a potential algae bloom. Contact with high concentrations of the cyanobacteria can cause illness. KDHE issues a Public Health Advisory or Public Health Warning based on either the presence of a certain toxin or on the number of cyanobacteria cells in the water.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT); the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation cooperate with KDHE when an Advisory or Warning is issued to alert the public about potentially harmful algae blooms.

Important Information

• Current Advisories and Warnings
• Harmful Algal Bloom Info from KDHE
• Blue-Green Algae Information Handout

KDHE Blue-Green Algae News Releases

• July 15, 2011
• June 30, 2011
• June 23, 2011
• June 16, 2011
• May 27, 2011
• May 25, 2011

KDWPT News Releases

• June 22, 2011

Back to BLUE-GREEN ALGAE INFORMATION News

Latest blue-green algae information...


LATEST BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERTS

Cheney added to Warning list, Advisory lifted at Perry, conditions improve at Milford

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to monitor and test Kansas lakes for the presence of harmful blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are natural, common bacteria in all waters of Kansas. Ordinarily, they are not harmful to humans or aquatic life, but under certain conditions — especially during the heat of the summer — they can multiply rapidly, resulting in a “bloom.” When this happens, blooms may release toxins that are dangerous to fish, pets, and humans. Some algae blooms look like foam or thick slurry. They can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like paint floating on the water. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. At some locations, this summer’s prolonged heat spell may have created better than normal conditions for algae blooms.


Samples from some areas of Cheney Reservoir showed high levels of blue-green algae and prompted KDHE to add Cheney to the Warning list late Friday afternoon. The good news is that the advisories for Perry Lake in Jefferson County and Marion Lake in Marion County have been lifted. Officials still advise lake users to remain alert and use caution. Conditions at Milford Lake in Geary County have improved, and most of Milford Lake has been downgraded to an Advisory. Two areas at Milford are still under a Warning – Wakefield Beach and Timber Creek Ramp.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A “Warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Warning” indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should not occur.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

• Cheney Reservoir, Kingman, Reno and Sedgwick counties (new listing)
• Riggs Park Lake, Haysville, Sedgwick County (new listing)
• Santa Fe Lake Augusta, Butler County;
• Memorial Park Lake, Great Bend, Barton County;
• Meade State Lake, Meade County;
• Milford Lake’s Wakefield Beach (Entire lake is under an Advisory, see below.)
• Milford Lake’s Timber Creek Ramp (Entire lake is under an Advisory, see below.)

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

• do not drink lake water;
• do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact of lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

An “advisory is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Advisory” indicates that a hazardous “condition” exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

• Big Hill Reservoir, Labette County;
• Marion County Lake, Marion County;
• Logan City Lake, Phillips County; and
• Milford Lake, Geary County

In addition, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• do not drink lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date advisories and warnings, can be found at online at Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Harmful Algal Bloom.

Here's a link to the most recent information on blue-green algae in Kansas lakes and reservoirs. Milford Reservoir is currently closed to ALL water based activities (including fishing from shore or boat).

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE INFORMATION

Below are a couple of photos of the algae bloom at Milford Reservoir taken 8/30/2011. Hopefully conditions will be improving soon.

Milford now open to boating and fishing. Water contact still highly discouraged.

Cheney Reservoir advisory has been lifted.


HIGH TOXIN LEVELS OF BLUE GREEN ALGAE STILL PRESENT AT MILFORD RESERVOIR

Sept. 1, 2011

Public Health Warning remains in effect for the entire lake through the Labor Day Weekend but open to fishing; Cheney Reservoir off listings
TOPEKA — Samples collected by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) indicate that high toxin levels of algae bloom are still present throughout Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties. Based on samples tested at five different points around the lake, a Public Health Warning will remain in a effect through the Labor Day weekend.

However, testing has revealed that the algae cell counts and toxin levels have slightly lessened from last week’s alarming highs. After reviewing that data, lake management officials with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) have lifted the water use restriction and water access for boating and fishing.

Still, KDHE officials are advising lake visitors to exercise extreme caution when on or near the water. Visible surface scum on the water stained green or clumps of green floating foam on the water should be avoided. Although the lake is open to boating and fishing, swimming, water skiing, and personal watercraft riding are not. Anyone who goes to the lake and feels ill after water contact should notify their physician immediately.

“As we have seen this summer, the condition of Milford Lake has been severe,” explained Tom Langer, director for KDHE’s Bureau of Environmental Health. “Please understand that being allowed back on the water to boat or fish does not mean that the water is safe for body contact activities such as swimming, skiing, or wading. Activities that result in body contact after the water has been sprayed into the air, such as jet-skiing and wake-boarding, are very hazardous during an algae bloom because those water drops can be ingested and even inhaled. Protect your health and that of your family, friends, and pets.”

Warning signs remain posted at Milford Reservoir, and KDHE will resample the lake next week and continue to monitor the algae bloom.
In good news, testing at Cheney Reservoir, west of Wichita, found no signs of algae blooms, and the advisory there has been lifted. Cheney Reservoir will be open to all activities over Labor Day weekend. That said, if you see any green material floating in the water, you, and especially your pets, should avoid it.

KDWPT has advised the public that despite blue-green algae in Milford Reservoir and several smaller lakes that may limit water recreation, all state parks will be open Labor Day. Also, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Kansas lakes and parks because all state fishing lakes and most city and county lakes are free of blue-green algae warnings or advisories.

KDHE will release the latest advisories and warnings for other Kansas waters in the afternoon of Sept. 1. These notices may be found on their website at www.kdheks.gov/news/index.html.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE TESTING SHOWS IMPROVEMENT AT MILFORD
Sept. 23, 2011

Milford Reservoir downgraded to Advisory; Tuttle Creek River Pond taken off lists TOPEKA — Recent testing of select Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has revealed improved blue-green algae conditions in three lakes. Samples collected at Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties indicate that while elevated algae toxin levels are still present, the algae cell counts have decreased. Accordingly, the lake will be downgraded from Warning status to Advisory status. The lake will be open to fishing and boating.

Waterfowl hunters in the backwater areas of Milford Wildlife Area should use caution when hunting and using hunting dogs. Elevated levels of algae and toxins may remain in these areas, particularly as the water levels drop. Residual decomposing algae that could occur in mud or slimy water can release toxins and endanger hunting dogs or people.

Tuttle Creek River Pond, below the dam at Tuttle Creek State Park, was previously under a warning but is no longer under a blue-green algae Warning or Advisory. Warnock Lake, in Atchison County, has been downgraded from Warning to Advisory.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A Warning is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. The Public Health Warning indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should not occur.

Blue-green algae do not affect the drinking water in state parks, and all campgrounds, marinas, and other lakeside businesses remain open for business.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. These toxins also cause deaths in pets.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

• Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Augusta Santa Fe Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Dillon Park Lake — Hutchinson, Reno County;
• Harvey County Camp Hawk Lake – Harvey County;
• Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County;
• Harvey County West Lake — Harvey County;
• Memorial/Veterans Park Lake — Great Bend, Barton County; and
• Rigg’s Park Lake — Haysville, Sedgwick County.

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

• do not drink lake water;
• do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

An Advisory is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected. The Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

• Milford Reservoir — Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties (downgraded from Warning);
• Warnock Lake — Atchison County (downgraded from Warning);
• Logan City Lake — Phillips County; and
• Marion County Lake — Marion County.

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

• do not drink lake water;
• avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full body contact with lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE LEVELS AT MILFORD BACK UP

Sept. 30, 2011

Milford Reservoir upgraded to “Warning,” Marion Reservoir taken off lists

TOPEKA — Recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has revealed a number of changes in blue-green algae levels in the state’s lakes. Samples collected at Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties indicate that levels of algae and toxins have increased, so the lake’s status has been upgraded from “Advisory” to “Warning.” Logan City Lake in Phillips County has also been upgraded from Advisory to Warning.

Marion Reservoir, which was previously under an Advisory, has been taken off all listings for blue-green algae. Dillon Park Lake, Harvey County Camp Hawk Lake, and Rigg’s Park Lake in Haysville have been downgraded from Warning to Advisory.
Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A “Warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Warning” indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should not occur.

Blue-green algae do not affect the drinking water in state parks, and all campgrounds, marinas, and other lakeside businesses remain open for business.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. These toxins also cause deaths in pets.
Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

• Milford Reservoir — Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties (upgraded from Advisory);
• Logan City Lake — Phillips County (upgraded from Advisory)
• Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Augusta Santa Fe Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County;
• Harvey County West Lake — Harvey County; and
• Memorial/Veterans Park Lake — Great Bend, Barton County.

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

• do not drink lake water;
• do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

An “Advisory” is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A “Public Health Advisory” indicates that a hazardous condition exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.
KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

• Dillon Park Lake — Hutchinson, Reno County (downgraded from Warning);
• Harvey County Camp Hawk Lake (downgraded from Warning);
• Warnock Lake — Atchison County;
• Rigg’s Park Lake — Haysville, Sedgwick County (downgraded from Warning).

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

• do not drink lake water;
• avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full body contact with lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Harmful Algal Bloom.
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Numbers of affected waters continue to drop. Another update should be available at the end of this week.

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As of 10/21/2011...

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

• Memorial/Veterans Park Lake — Great Bend, Barton County.

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

• do not drink lake water;
• do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake water;
• clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
• keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

• Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Logan City Lake — Phillips County;
• Harvey County West Lake — Harvey County;
• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County; and
• Warnock Lake, Atchison County.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Harmful Algal Bloom.

As of 10/28/2011... Full article can be found HERE.

Three lakes are on the Warning list; no lakes are on the Advisory list

TOPEKA — In a few remaining city and county lakes, blue-green algae populations are still above minimum public safety levels established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). State and federal lakes are no longer under any warnings or advisories.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

• Memorial Park Lake, Great Bend, Barton County
• Logan City Lake, Phillips County (Upgraded from an Advisory to a Warning)
• Warnock Lake,Atchison County (Upgraded from an Advisory to a Warning)

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Harmful Algal Bloom.

KDHE ISSUES FINAL BLUE-GREEN ALGAE UPDATE FOR YEAR

November 9, 2011

Logan City Lake in Phillips County no longer listed; no more testing scheduled

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has determined that the toxic level of blue-green algae at Logan City Lake in Phillips County has subsided, and the lake is no longer under a blue-green algae Warning or Advisory.

Only one lake, Memorial Park Lake at Great Bend, has blue-green algae populations above minimum public safety levels; however, that lake has a chronically-elevated level of blue-green algae, and it remains under a Warning until further notice. Under the circumstances, KDHE has concluded testing for the year. No state and federal lakes are under any warnings or advisories.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), responds by informing the public of these conditions. Since testing has concluded, KDWPT will not issue additional blue-green algae news releases this year unless KDHE determines that conditions warrant it.

Information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Harmful Algal Bloom.