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KDHE continues to monitor algae
Veterans Lake still falls under warning
new deh vets algae pic.tif
Shown is Veterans Memorial Lake in Great Bend. State health officials continue to have a warning in place for the lake due to toxic algae. - photo by Tribune file photo

In lakes contaminated with blue-green algae, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Do not drink the lake water

• Avoid swimming, wading or other activities with full body contact of lake water

• Clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other body parts

• Keep pets from having contact with or drinking the water

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment continues to monitor waters for blue-green algae, including Veterans Memorial Lake in Great Bend.

Warnings for elevated toxic blue-green algae continue as heavy concentrations are still detected at Veterans Lake and Central Park Lake, Shawnee County, the KDHE reported Monday afternoon. Current concentrations of algae in these waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use.

In mid August, state health officials issued a public health advisory due to toxic algae in Vets. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment was contacted by the City of Great Bend and issued its warning because of the bloom that has taken over the lake.

City ordinances have always ban swimming and wading in Vet’s, but local officials closed the lake to fishing and pets. The order remains in place until KDHE, along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, determines the water is safe.

Advisories (a step below a warning) remain in place as harmful algae continues to be detected at Lake Meade in Meade County as well as Centralia City Lake in Nemaha County. An advisory allows for boating and fishing at the lake. All other contact with water is discouraged for people and pets.

In another Kansas facility, an order has been rescinded. Anthony City Lake in Harper County has been deemed safe for public use.

KDHE will continue to monitor the situations and rescind warnings as soon as conditions warrant. If the public has any questions or concerns, KDHE can be contacted during normal business hours at 866-865-3233.

Further information on algae and algae blooms can be found at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.