(Scott City, KS) (westernkansasnews.com)

Scott Lake at Lake Scott State Park is now under a Public Health Advisory due to cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment takes samples from the states bodies of water to determine if harmful levels of the algae bloom are present.  When the state issues a Public Health Warning, as in the case with South Lake Park in Johnson County, contact with the water is prohibited.  When a Public Health Advisory is issued, as in the case with Scott Lake, contact with the water is strongly discouraged.  Advisories apply to both humans and animals.

The warnings and advisories not only apply to water consumption but any contact whatsoever as well.  Pets and livestock can die if they come into contact with the algae.  If contact is made with skin or fur, washing with clean potable water as soon as possible is recommended.  Anglers should rinse fish with clean water and consume on the fillet portion of the fish.