State: Pets, humans should stay out of lake

State officials have issued a warning advising people and their animals to avoid contact with the water at Winfield City Lake, due to the presence of harmful blue-green algae.

The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment issued the warning Thursday afternoon and signs were to be posted at the lake later in the day, city manager Warren Porter said. Swimmers, waders, water skiers, jet skiers and pets are asked to stay out of the lake.

Earlier this week, city officials had asked users of the lake to use good judgement when entering the lake.

The warning is based, so far, on a visual examination of the lake by KDHE after city officials Monday reported a discoloration in the water.

Water samples will be taken next Monday and results should be ready by next Thursday.

Porter said city officials believe the amount of algae may have decreased over the course of the week based on observations made by city staff.

It was not immediately clear why the warning came now, before testing had been completed.

But, Porter said, the city is following the state’s lead and wants to make sure everyone remains safe.

“Obviously, we want to do what is right here,” he said. “That’s why we reported the problem.”

Several other bodies of water in the state are also experiencing blue-green algae growth.