photo by: Nick Krug

A view of Clinton Lake on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Clinton Lake State Park.

Clinton Lake’s blue-green algae status was elevated Friday from “watch” to the more serious “warning,” according to a news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Clinton Lake was added to the watch list in June, which meant precautions should be exercised in case the toxic algae was present. The elevated warning list indicates that blue-green algae is actually expected or present.

KDHE monitors bodies of water in the state for algae blooms during the water recreation season, which runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, and issues health advisories as warranted.

Blue-green algae is a toxin that is harmful to humans and pets. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat and headache.

An algae bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, KDHE says to avoid contact and keep dogs away. 

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 skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Suspected algae-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

For other bodies of water listed in the public health advisory, see KDHE’s website.