The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced they have downgraded the warning levels of Parsons Lake and Big Hill Lake to a watch level for blue-green algae.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.

However, another lake in Neosho County was added to this week's watch list. Lake McKinley was put on the watch list for the first time. The Altamont City Lake – North Lake remains on the watch list while the Altamont City Lake – Main Lake continues to be on the warning list. The KDHE updates the results weekly.

People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.