KDHE Modifies Public Health Advisory for Arkansas River

Downtown Wichita, Kansas, skyline at night from The Keeper of the Plains at the Arkansas River (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Friday work will permanently plug leak at Wichita’s wastewater treatment plant
TOPEKA, Kan.—The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has modified the public health advisory first issued on May 25 for the Arkansas River. Water samples collected by KDHE and the city of Wichita indicate that bacteria concentrations above the 47th Street bridge are safe for recreation. Therefore, KDHE is modifying the current health advisory to include the portion of the Arkansas River from the 47th Street bridge to the state line.

Last week, elevated levels of bacteria were recorded during routine stream sampling by KDHE’s ambient water quality monitoring program. The city then discovered a leak at an intermediate pump station at the wastewater treatment plant. Work crews constructed a temporary fix for the leaking valve, and it has been partially successful. Therefore, the city is implementing a permanent solution that is scheduled to be completed on June 1.

KDHE advises individuals to have no contact with the Arkansas River from the 47th Street bridge in central Wichita to the Oklahoma state line. Residents are also advised to keep their pets and livestock from making contact with the water.

State and local officials will continue working to assess the situation and are committed to minimizing the impact downstream. The affected portion of the Arkansas River is south, or downstream, of Wichita's Riverfest activities, which begin June 1.

KDHE will continue to follow up with water testing to determine when this advisory can be lifted.

Public Health Advisory Issued for Portion of Arkansas River

Map of the Arkansas River watershed in the south-central United States. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Advisory extends from Lincoln Street Bridge in Wichita to Oklahoma state line
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a public health advisory for a portion of the Arkansas River due to elevated levels of bacteria discovered during routine stream sampling by KDHE’s ambient water quality monitoring program. KDHE has also confirmed a report of a fish kill in the Arkansas River in areas where there is black, odiferous water.

The health advisory covers a the stretch of the Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street Bridge in central Wichita to the Oklahoma state line.

KDHE advises individuals to have no contact with the Arkansas River between the locations identified above until further notice. Residents are also advised to keep their pets and livestock from making contact with the water.

The cause has not been identified. KDHE is conducting an investigation and will follow up with additional water testing to determine when this notice can be lifted.

KDHE LIFTS ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS FROM MILFORD, SOME OTHER WATERS

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FISHING TIPS

Blue-green algae abating with cooler weather
TOPEKA — Recent samples taken by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have concluded that hazardous blue-green algae levels at Milford Reservoir (Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties); Dillon Park Lake (Hutchinson and Reno counties); Harvey County Camp Hawk Lake (Harvey County); and Santa Fe Lake (Augusta and Butler counties) have abated, and public health advisories and warnings for these waters have been lifted.

“Our testing showed that there are no high areas of concern at the moment,” explained Tom Langer, director for the Bureau of Environmental Health. “That said, if anyone sees green material floating in the water, they, and especially their pets, should avoid it.”

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.

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:

• Warnock Lake, Atchison County (upgraded from an Advisory); 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:

• Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County (downgraded from Warning);
• Logan City Lake — Phillips County (downgraded from Warning);
• Harvey County West Lake — Harvey County; and
• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey 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.

ONE LAKE REMOVED FROM BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ADVISORY

Image via Wikipedia

Rigg’s Park Lake in Haysville lifted
TOPEKA — Recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has revealed three changes in blue-green algae levels in the state’s lakes. Samples collected at Rigg’s Park Lake in Haysville were negative, so all warnings and advisories for that lake have been lifted. High levels of algae and toxins were detected in Warnock Lake, in Atchison County, so that lake’s status has been upgraded from “Advisory” to “Warning.” Algae levels at Harvey County East Lake, near Newton, have improved somewhat, so that lake has been downgraded to Advisory status.

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:

• Warnock Lake, Atchison County (upgraded from an Advisory)
• Milford Reservoir — Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties;
• Logan City Lake — Phillips County;
• Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Augusta Santa Fe Lake — Augusta, Butler 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:

• Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (downgraded from Warning);
• Dillon Park Lake — Hutchinson, Reno County; and
• Harvey County Camp Hawk Lake.

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.

FISHING GEAR

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE LEVELS AT MILFORD BACK UP

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FISHING INFORMATION

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 www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

KDHE BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERTS UPDATED

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Logan City Lake upgraded to “Warning” level; Milford State Park cancels boat race
TOPEKA — In recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), blue-green algae levels in several lakes remain high. Logan City Lake, previously listed in the lower category of “Advisory,” has been upgraded to a “Warning” status.

In addition, Milford Reservoir remains under an Advisory, and Milford State Park has cancelled the “Float Your Boat” cardboard boat race scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20. The park will have Free Park Entrance Days Aug. 20-21. 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 algal 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.

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:

• Santa Fe Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
• Memorial Park Lake — Great Bend, Barton County;
• Rigg’s Park Lake — Haysville, Sedgwick County;
• Warnock Lake — Atchison County;
• Harvey County East Lake — Harvey County; and
• Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County; and
• Logan City Lake — Phillips County (new listing).

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:

• Big Hill Reservoir — Labette County;
• Marion County Lake — Marion County;
• Hillsdale Reservoir — Miami County;
• Milford Reservoir — Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties; and
• Cheney Reservoir — Reno, Kingman, and Sedgwick counties.

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.

LATEST BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERTS

Image via Wikipedia 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 www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE INFORMATION

Image via Wikipedia 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