The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health warnings for some Kansas lakes for the upcoming weekend and week.

If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as boating and fishing
may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly
discouraged for people, pets and livestock. The lakes currently under a public health advisory:

  • Warning: Atchison Co. Park Lake, Atchison County
  • Warning: Hodgeman County SFL, Hodgeman County
  • Warning: Perry Lake, Zone B (the Slough Creek arm), Jefferson County
  • Warning: Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area Lake, Linn County
  • Warning: Carbondale West Lake, Osage County
  • Warning: Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
  • Warning: Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County
  • Warning: Webster Lake, Rooks County
  • Warning: Frazier lake, Grant County
  • Warning: South Lake Park, Johnson County
  • Warning: Lake Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County
  • Warning: Lake Afton, Sedgwick County
  • Watch: Overbrook City Lake, Osage County
  • Watch: Rock Garden Pond, Gage Park, Shawnee County
  • Watch: Mary’s Lake, Douglas County


Watches have been lifted at Rooks County State Fishing Lake in Rooks County and Central Park
Lake (Pond) in Shawnee County.

Lakes under a warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are
open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and
showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes
under a warning, but contact with the water should be avoided. Hands should also be washed with
clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake. Zoned lakes may have portions fully open
for all recreation even if other portions are under a warning.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float
around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface
or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful
bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected
by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.