(Scott County, KS) (westernkansasnews.com)

It is once again okay to take a dip in Scott Lake.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has lifted 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 contact with the water is prohibited.  When a Public Health Advisory is issued, as was the case with Scott Lake, contact with the water is strongly discouraged.  Advisories apply to both humans and animals.  The Scott Lake advisory was rescinded after new samples were gathered and examined.

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.