A discoloration found at Winfield City Lake Monday has prompted city officials to issue a warning to swimmers, fishermen and others who use the lake for recreation.
The discoloration, which was found in a portion of the lake, could be an indicator of the presence of a harmful blue-green algae. Those swimming or using the lake for recreation are asked to use their own good judgement in regard to entering the water.
City officials have contacted the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment who were expected to test for presence of the algae on Tuesday. The lake, however, remains open to the public.
The algae can be harmful to those who come in contact with it, however, its presence would not have an adverse affect on the city’s drinking water supply, city manager Warren Porter told KSOK radio.
Warning information, listed on the city’s web site, included the following items of caution:
– Harmful algae can make people, animals sick
– Use caution when swimming, wading, skiing or jet skiing
– Avoid watering pets or livestock in algae area
– Don’t let people or pets eat dried algae or drink untreated water
– Clean fish well and discard guts
– Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation
– People, pets should wash with clean, potable water after coming into contact with algae.
You can report a possible algae-bloom illness by calling the local health department at 221-1430.
![""]("http://newscow.net/Practice/Winfield-Iron-and-Metal-FUL.gif")