Toxic algae in Kansas waters, including Lake Afton

Lake Afton still contains high levels of toxic blue-green algae, according to the state.

Lake Afton, which is about 20 miles west of Wichita, has been under warning for toxic blue-green algae for over a month.

The state also found toxic blue-green algae in three bodies of water in the northeast part of Kansas. One of those bodies of water contains such high levels that the state partially closed access to the water.

The closures pertain to certain beaches on the northern area of Milford Reservoir – in Clay and Geary Counties – because of the reservoir’s ongoing issues with blue-green algae.

Atchison County Park Lake and Overbrook City Lake in Osage County are both under warning for the toxic algae.

Blue-green algae generally grows in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams, especially when the water is warm. The algae often looks like spilled green paint.

The state allows boating and fishing on lakes under a warning, but strongly discourages it for areas with closures.

People and pets should avoid contact with any water that contains blue-green algae. And the health department said it strongly discourages wading, skiing and swimming.

Pets that swim in or drink water with an algal bloom, or that eat dried algae along the shore, may become seriously ill or die.

The state says it’s safe to eat fish caught during blue-green algae outbreaks, as long as the fish are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed. People should wash their hands after handling the fish.

To report an algal bloom, call 785-296-1664. To read more about the blue-green algae warning, visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Toxic algae in Kansas waters, including Lake Afton."