2 Kansas lakes closed due to blue-green algae

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has closed two lakes due to blue-green algae.

Lakewood Park Lake, Saline County and Webster Lake, Rooks County

are closed until conditions improve.

Although access to the water is closed, Webster State Park remains open. Drinking water and bath house facilities are not affected by the algae bloom.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted.

• Warning: Atchison Co. Park Lake, Atchison County

• Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County

• Warning: Frazier Lake, Grant County

• Warning: Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County

• Warning: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County

• Warning: Lake Scott State Park, Scott County

• Warning: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area Lake, Linn County

• Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

• Warning: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County Closure – Visitors can utilize Coeur d' Alene Park Swim Beach which sets on the main body of the lake, located west of the U.S. Army Corps. Of Engineers Project Office. The present algae bloom is isolated to the Outlet Pond and Outlet Swim Pond; Melvern Lake is not affected.

• Warning: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

• Warning: South Lake Park, Johnson County

• Watch: Cottonwood River, south of Emporia

• Watch: Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County

• Watch: Mary's Lake, Douglas County

• Watch: Perry Lake Zone A (the southern portion of the main body, south of the Longview Campground), Jefferson County

• Watch: Perry Lake Zone B (the Slough Creek Arm), Jefferson County

• Watch: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County

A closed or closure status indicates that conditions are extremely dangerous for humans and pets. Harmful algal toxins and cell counts are at dangerously high levels.

Any kind of contact with the waterbody is prohibited. Skin exposed to the toxin can develop rashes and blisters, and drinking tainted water could cause headaches, nausea and muscle pain.

Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a warning but contact with the water should be avoided. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a warning.

Blooms are unpredictable and can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment.

If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present.

Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.

• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.

• Water contact should be avoided.

• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.

• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.

• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, visit the