Cyanobacteria, more commonly referred to as blue-green algae, are aquatic bacteria that naturally exist in lakes, rivers and ponds in Kansas. When specific conditions are present, rapid reproduction of cyanobacteria can create harmful algal blooms (HABs) that may produce toxins. These conditions consist of high nutrient levels, sufficient sunlight, and certain wind and water currents. HABs can appear (or disappear) rapidly and can affect the water's appearance in different ways. Water may have a green or brown color, have scum on the surface and/or may have a paint-like appearance. Exposure to these toxins can affect the liver and nervous system in both humans and animals. Microcystin, a toxin produced by cyanobacteria, is the most common, widespread and regularly monitored cyanotoxin in Kansas public waters.
Cyanobacteria under a microscopic view
Photo is the property of Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Microcystin is harmful to both humans and animals. In sufficient amounts, it can damage the liver. The health effects from this toxin depend on the route of exposure and the amount of toxins involved. KDHE tests for microcystin regularly in their water sampling process.
Saxitoxin
Skin contact from swimming or wading in water that contains cyanobacterial toxins.
Licking or eating the toxic algae in the water or on their fur.
Cows standing at the edge of a pond
Man standing and fishing on the edge of a boat in a river or lake
Man standing in a body of water and holding a fish in one hand and a fishing pole in his other hand
Photos are the property of Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Exposure symptoms in animals differ slightly and include:
If a Pet Has Been Exposed:
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Program conducts surveillance on HAB-affected public waterbodies in Kansas. The program has been formally tracking harmful algal blooms in Kansas since 2010. This program is response-based and receives complaints and information regarding HABs from the general public and stakeholders, such as lake managers and program partners.
KDHE staff validate complaints and reports submitted if they meet certain criteria based on visual evidence, report information and initial testing. If the HAB complaint is validated, then a sampling request is issued. Taxonomic and toxin analyses are performed by KDHE staff on the samples collected. Taxonomic results are based on species composition and the corresponding cell count of samples. After analyses of the samples are completed, KDHE's Bureau of Water (BOW) will issue a public health advisory for the waterbody if sample results exceed cell count and/or toxin advisory thresholds. KDHE works with agency partners and corresponding lake managers with a waterbody to issue an advisory to inform the public, address HAB impacted water resource issues and recommend measures to protect public health in accordance with policy.
Warning
Both complaints of blue-green algae blooms and reports of human and animal algae-illnesses are submitted to KDHE. The Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics (BEPHI) investigates reports of illness from blue-green algae exposure. If an illness complaint states that exposure occurred at a Kansas body of water that has not been sampled for a HAB, BEPHI completes a blue-green algae bloom investigation. The Bureau of Water and KDHE district office staff in the Bureau of Environmental Field Services conduct sampling and analysis with the assistance of the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories.
A view of water that is bright green and has a harmful algal bloom present.
Photo is the property of Daric Schneidewind (KDWP)
Confirmed
Kansas Public Waterbodies Affected by Harmful Algal Blooms Over the Years.
2023 Harmful Algal Booms Summary
Confirmed Case: 0
Confirmed Case: 0
Human Exposure Reports:
Animal Exposure Reports:
2021 Harmful Algal Blooms Summary
Photo is the property of Tim Halfhide (KDHE)
Suspect Case: 14
Suspect Case: 1
Due to Covid-19, the HAB Response Program conducted emergency operations. This prevented normal sampling and response during this season.
Probable Case: 9
The highest blue-green cell count found was (>8,000,000 cells/mL) at Lovewell Reservoir on July 8. The highest toxin level found for microcystin was 400 ug/L at Milford Gathering Pond on
June 25.
Confirmed Case: 0
Confirmed Case: 0
Of all the lakes sampled during this season, Webster Lakehad the highest level of microcystin toxin (420 ug/L) on June 19. Additionally, this lake had the highest blue-green cell count
(60,000,000 cells/mL) on that same date.
Not a Case: 1 (Webster)
Not a Case: 0
Photo is the property of Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Photo is the property of Daric Schneidewind (KDWP)