12-05-2025
KDHE issues blue-green algae advisory for three Kansas lakes
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a public health advisory for three Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae:
Warning
Frazier Lake – Grant County
Lake Shawnee – Shawnee County
Watch
Council Grove City Lake – Morris County
A harmful algae bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum, or paint floating on the water. It can appear blue, bright green, brown, or even red. Blooms can develop rapidly.
Depending on the type of exposure, coming into contact with a HAB can cause rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headaches. Toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and skin contact. Avoid contact and keep pets away.
Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a HAB or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
Suspected HAB-related health incidents should be reported as soon as possible at
When KDHE receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes, it investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, the KDHE will then issue a status level of warning, watch, or hazard.
A hazard status indicates that an HAB is present and that extreme conditions exist.
When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone be closed to the public.
In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.
A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the body of water should be avoided.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
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 the skin, wash it with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a HAB is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
Avoid areas of algae accumulation, and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
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. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portions only.
Advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.
The water recreation season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the HAB response program's active operations. You can visit the KDHE website year-round to check the current advisory status for bodies of water in Kansas.
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