MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As Kansas lakes and reservoirs remain popular destinations for swimming, boating, and fishing, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are reminding the public to stay alert for harmful algal blooms (HABs). KDHE monitoring runs April 1 through October 31, but experts stress that blooms can appear anytime and pose risks year-round.
HABs are unpredictable and can develop quickly, sometimes moving across a water body with wind or currents. Contact with, or ingestion of, contaminated water can cause illness in both people and animals. Officials urge lake visitors to use caution and follow posted advisories.
Advisory Levels
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) uses three levels of advisories for harmful algal blooms:
• Watch: A bloom is possible and may be present. Visitors should avoid algae accumulation areas, keep people and pets out of the water, and limit water activities near visible blooms. Boating and fishing remain safe, but fish should be cleaned thoroughly, with only the fillet portion eaten.
• Warning: A bloom is expected or confirmed. The water is unsafe for humans and animals. People should avoid contact with water and spray from boating or skiing. Pets should not drink from the water or eat dried algae. Fish may still be consumed if properly cleaned.
• Hazard: A severe bloom is present. Portions of the lake—or sometimes the entire water body—may be closed, along with adjacent land if necessary. Signage will be posted at public access points, and extreme caution is advised.
Health and Animal Safety
Health officials warn that exposure to harmful algae can cause illness and, in extreme cases, death in both humans and animals. Livestock, pets, and working animals such as hunting dogs should not be allowed to drink from affected waters, eat dried scum on shorelines, or lick their fur after swimming in contaminated areas.
The public is encouraged to stay informed on current advisories and exercise good judgment when enjoying Kansas waterways.