State

Public health warnings issued for five Kansas lakes

These photos showing blue-green algae were taken at Milford Reservoir on June 22. That was the same day KDHE issued a warning for the lake.
These photos showing blue-green algae were taken at Milford Reservoir on June 22. That was the same day KDHE issued a warning for the lake. The Wichita Eagle

Five Kansas lakes are under public health warnings as a result of the presence of blue-green algae, state officials said Friday.

The lakes covered in the warning issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Division of Wildlife and Parks are:

▪ Marion Reservoir in Marion County

▪ Milford Reservoir in parts of Geary, Dickinson and Clay counties

▪ Sam’s Pond in Syracuse

▪ Webster Lake in Rooks County

▪ Wolf Pond in Barton County.

Two other lakes are under public health watches: Marion County Lake and Overbrook City Lake in Osage County.

Lakes under a warning are not closed, state officials said in a statement. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business.

Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. But the warnings mean lake water is not safe for pets or livestock and people should avoid contact with the water.

Stan Finger: 316-268-6437, @StanFinger

This story was originally published July 7, 2017 at 7:35 PM with the headline "Public health warnings issued for five Kansas lakes."

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