State issues blue-green algae warnings for Kansas lakes
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — State health and wildlife officials have issued warnings for several Kansas lakes due to potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms, urging residents and visitors to stay alert while enjoying water activities this summer.
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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in coordination with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), issued a public health advisory as part of its Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response program, which runs each year from April through October.
Current advisories include:
Warning:
Frazier Lake (Grant County)
Gathering Pond (Geary County)
Marion Reservoir (Marion County – status elevated May 30)
Watch:
Augusta Santa Fe Lake (Butler County – status lowered May 30)
Lifted:
Pony Creek Lake (Brown County)
Officials say blue-green algae can appear as foam, scum, or paint on the water's surface, in colors ranging from blue and green to brown or red. Blooms can form quickly and may be harmful to humans and animals through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation.
'Symptoms from exposure may include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and fever,' KDHE said. 'If you or your pets come into contact with algae, rinse thoroughly with clean water.'
The advisory outlines different safety levels:
A Warning means harmful algae is expected or present. Swimming and water contact should be avoided, and pets should not drink or enter the water.
A Watch indicates algae may be present. Water activities near visible blooms are discouraged, but boating and fishing are generally safe with precautions.
A Hazard status—none currently in effect—signals extreme conditions and could lead to lake closures.
KDHE encourages Kansans to report suspected blooms year-round and offers resources for identifying algae and staying safe at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.
'Blooms can be deadly for pets,' the agency warns. 'Dogs are especially vulnerable if they drink or come into contact with contaminated water or eat dried algae on the shore.'
For updates, public advisories, and a map of affected lakes, visit the KDHE Harmful Algal Bloom page.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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