The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued public health advisories for several eastern Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

 

Lakes placed under a warning include Gathering Pond in Geary County near Junction City. Also included in the warning are Atchison City Lake “#9 and Atchison State Fishing Lake in northeast Kansas. Frazier Lake in Grant County in the southwestern part of the state is also included.

 

K-D-H-E has placed several lakes under a watch advisory as well. These include Augusta Santa Fe Lake in Butler County and Marion Reservoir in Marion County.

 

Harmful algae blooms in water can look like foam, scum or paint floating in the water and may be colored blue, bright green, brown, or red. Toxins produced by the blooms can be ingested, inhaled, or even absorbed through the skin. Contact with water in hazard areas should be avoided until advisory is lifted by the K-D-H-E