The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a public health warning about the presence of blue-green algae in five lakes including one in Sedgwick County.
High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected in Chisholm Creek Park Lake in Sedgwick County.
KDHE Spokesperson Ashton Rucker says the lakes remain open, but caution is advised.
"Even other things, like fishing and boating, can be safe," Rucker says. "We just want to be sure that if you come in contact with the water you’re cleaning yourself with clean water as soon as possible."
Rucker says the algae looks like thick scum similar to a paint like substance in the water. He says it’s often green and can be other colors and can also dry along the shore. Rucker says the algae can be harmful to humans but fatal for pets.
See the map below for the lakes affected by the warning.
