HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three area lakes are under blue-green algae advisories this week by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Cheney Reservoir, Kanopolis Reservoir and Marion County Lake are all under a blue-green algae watch, which means the algae is present in at least one part of the lake. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. Contact with water in those areas should be avoided, including pets. Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
Boating and fishing are safe, however, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals and anglers should thoroughly clean fish with potable water and eat fillet portions only. The algae looks like scum, or a paint-like surface, on the water that’s bright green.
Pet owners should be aware that it can be fatal to animals to swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore.