State health officials are adding several more names to its list of Kansas lakes and ponds affected by harmful blue-green algae blooms. As of yesterday, the following bodies were listed:
- Colwich City Lake and Riggs Park Lake in Sedgwick County
- Crystal Lake and Garnett Lake North in Anderson County
- Ford County Lake
- Jerry Ivey Pond in Saline County
- Lake Scott State Park in Scott County
- Marion County Reservoir
- Parson Lake In Neosho County
- Milford Lake Zone C in Geary and Clay counties.
Algal blooms are often highly visible, appearing like a bright green slime on the water’s surface, though blooms come in other colors and textures.
KDHE monitors blue-green algae across the state from April 1-Oct. 31, when blooms are most likely to be present. However, heavy blooms have been documented well into November.
Dogs can get sick or die from exposure to harmful blue-green algae. It’s recommended that pet owners offer fresh drinking water often to their dogs while out-of-doors to decrease the pet’s interest in drinking from potentially-tainted ponds or lakes. Also, dogs that have swam through possible blooms should be toweled off immediately and taken to a place where they can be sprayed thoroughly with clean water. If a dog exhibits any symptoms such as throwing up, lethargy, or seizures following exposure to a natural waterbody, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Suspected exposures to blue-green algae can be reported to the KDHE by calling the EpiHotline (877-427-7317) or by using this online form found at: https://kdheks.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3m9Zfcls27nckMB.
