Blue-green algae warnings issued for two south central Kansas lakes
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Friday was a beautiful day to be at the lake swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. But at some lakes, checking the advisories for harmful algal bloom was a must.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), have already begun monitoring Lake Afton for harmful levels of blue-green algae. Last Thursday, the state issued the first warning of this year for Harvey County East Lake.
Many people took to Lake Afton on Friday mostly to fish. "I'm not concerned…as far as fishing...to me, you cook it up right, there ain't going to be nothing there," said JR Gray, who has been fishing for years and said he has never experienced illness.
10-year-old Braxton Sloderveck disagrees.
"I know you can't eat the fish that you catch and stuff, because it can get you sick,” said Sloderveck.
Sloderveck said he goes fishing with his grandfather, but they always check advisories for blue-green algae first to make sure it is safe.
The algae is like foam, and can be blue, bright green, brown or red. It is a toxin that can cause a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and a sore throat. It can even be deadly for your pets if they swim in affected water, drink or eat dried algae along the shore.
Lake Afton resident Stan Henderson said he usually allows his dog to drink from the lake.
"He won't be drinking any more water at the lake, I can tell you that. He's only a year old so he's just a puppy, but he's my companion, if you will, so I want to take care of him too," said Henderson.
