Public Health Warning for Lovewell Lake Remains in Effect Due to Blue-Green Algae

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) report a public health warning continues for Lovewell Lake in Jewell County due to blue-green algae.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red.  Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away.  These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact.  Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.  If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water.  Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels: a hazard status, a warning status and a watch status.

A Warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken: 

• Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
• Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.  
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.  
• Water contact should be avoided.  
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.  
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.  
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.  
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.  

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes.  Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque 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. 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.