JUNCTION CITY, Kan.— Areas north of Madison Creek at Milford Lake have been placed under an advisory after testing was conducted for cyanobacteria by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
NOTE:Areas south of Madison Creek are not currently under an Advisory or Warning and are open to water-based recreational use.
Cyanobacteria is commonly called blue-green algae, and when harmful algal blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. Based upon sampling results and established health risk levels, the Advisory was put into effect.
KDWPT reminds visitors that when a lake is under an Advisory, marinas, lakeside businesses, and park camping facilities remain open for business, although swim beaches will be closed. Park drinking water and showers are safe and not affected by the algae bloom. Also, it is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as consumers clean and rinse the fish with clean, potable water; consume only the fillet portion; and discard all other parts. People should also wash their hands with clean, potable water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.
An Advisory means harmful blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Advisory indicates that a hazardous condition exists. Water activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.
Milford Reservoir – NOTE:North of Madison Creek is currently under an Advisory, but south of Madison Creek is not currently under an Advisory or Warning, and direct water contact is not prohibited.
When an Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Humans, pets, and livestock do not drink untreated lake water
Clean fish and rinse with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, discarding other parts
Do not eat or allow pets to eat dried algae
If lake water comes in contact with skin or pet fur, wash with clean potable water as soon as possible
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation
KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update the status as conditions warrant.
