Lake Afton has had blue-green algae for most of the summer

Lake Afton still has high levels of toxic blue-green algae and remains under a public warning, according to the state. The lake, about 20 miles west of Wichita, has been contaminated with the toxic algae for most of the summer.

McLaughlin Lake in Valley Center is currently under a blue-green algae watch, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The state also issued blue-green algae warnings for Atchison County Park Lake and Overbrook City Lake in Osage County, both of which are in northeastern Kansas.

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 kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Lake Afton has had blue-green algae for most of the summer."