Blue-green algae alerts posted at nearby lakes

Because blue-green algae populations are above minimum public safety levels, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a new Public Health Advisory for  Lovewell Reservoir. KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and other lake managers where appropriate, respond by informing the public of these conditions.

Although Lovewell Reservoir is under a public health advisory, the marina, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities are open for business. Boating is allowed, but full body contact with the water is discouraged and state park swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.

In Nebraska, Rockford Lake in Gage County and Swan Creek Lake #5A in Saline County are also on alert for blue-green algae.
NDEQ (Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality) conducts weekly or bi-weekly sampling for toxic blue-green algae and bacteria at a number of public recreational lakes across Nebraska from May through September, and these results are updated weekly. Samples are typically collected on Monday and posted on the web site on Thursday or Friday.