Health warning issued for Johnson County lake

Kansas officials have issued a public health warning for seven lakes, including one in Johnson County, after high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected.

South Park Lake, which is north of 87th Street between Metcalf and Lowell avenues, is the local lake affected.

The warning indicates that the water conditions are unsafe and direct contact, including wading, skiing and swimming, should be prohibited.

The other lakes under the warning are Chisholm Creek Park Lake (North) in Sedgwick County; Marion Reservoir (separate from Marion County Lake) in Marion County; Memorial Park Lake (Veteran’s Lake) in Barton County; Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties; Jewell State Fishing Lake in Jewell County, and Lake Warnock (Atchison City Lake) in Atchison County.

Health officials say it’s safe to eat fish caught during the outbreak as long as the fish are cleaned and rinsed with potable water. People should only consume the fillet portion and discard all other parts.

If people or pets come in contact with lake water, they should wash the area with clean water as soon as possible.