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.