City closes down all water activities on Hargis Watershed due to blue-green algae outbreak
Sumner Newscow report — The City of Wellington staff has determined that blue-green algae is present at Hargis Watershed. As a result, all water activities are prohibited until further notice.
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The Hargis Watershed is located in the northeast section of town.
Wellington Director of Public Works Jeremy Jones said he received an e-mail from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment concerning the outbreak. City staff then viewed the blue-green algae firsthand. He said the worst outbreak of the blue-green algae is on the west side.
“The park is open,” Jones said. “We are just restricting activity on the water itself like boating, fishing or anything else dealing with the water.”
He said his biggest concern is people who walk their dogs at the watershed and want people to keep them away.
In their toxic form, blue-green algae can cause illness in humans, pets, waterfowl, and other animals that come in contact with the algae. Toxic blooms can kill livestock and pets that drink the water.
Signs of a toxic bloom may include skin rashes on humans after being in the water. Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there have been several confirmed cases of dog deaths in Kansas due to algal toxins this year. If a canine drinks the water, eating dried algae, or licking algae from their paws, dogs can quickly ingest enough toxins to cause illness or death within minutes.
Check advisories on the KDHE website before visiting the public lake. If you think that your animal has been exposed to blue-green algae, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Water activities will remain closed for a while, Jones said, although he was hesitant for how long.
