Lone Star Lake still under algae watch advisory; boating and fishing OK, swimming discouraged
The lake, in southwest Douglas County, has been under the state advisory since July 24 — more than six weeks
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Sign up freeLone Star Lake remains under a blue-green algae Watch Advisory after state testing Monday, Aug. 31, meaning boating and fishing continue but swimming, wading and letting pets and livestock drink the water do not.
According to Kansas Department of Health and Environment guidance, blue-green algae are cyanobacteria that can produce toxins in warm, nutrient-rich water. KDHE discourages water skiing near visible blooms, and its Watch Advisory recommends avoiding areas where algae has accumulated and keeping people and pets from eating dried algae or drinking contaminated water. The agency says inhaling spray from the water may affect some individuals, and that anglers should clean fish well with potable water and eat only the fillet portion.
KDHE says people or animals that develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, irritated eyes, seizures, breathing problems or other unexplained illness after exposure to harmful algae should contact a doctor or veterinarian. The agency also says blooms are unpredictable, can develop rapidly and may move across a lake on wind or water currents, so visitors should use their best judgment. Signage about the advisory is posted at the lake.
KDHE is scheduled to retest the water Monday, Sept. 14, and provide an update. The agency's harmful algal blooms page carries the current statewide advisory list.
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