Kansas residents hoping to celebrate the Fourth of July at inland lakes could find that their activities are limited to sitting by the water as opposed to being in it.

Cyanobacteria has continued to make life difficult for the state Department of Health and Environment and lake managers after high levels of blue green algae blooms in the water forced the closure of four lakes. Local officials have also issued warnings that prohibit recreational activity at the affected lakes and attribute the "unseasonably hot weather" as the prime reason behind the early arrival of the naturally-occurring algae.

According to the Kansas City Star, the lakes that have been closed are the Marion Reservoir, Old Herington City Lake, Logan City Lake and Memorial Veterans Lake. Health advisories have been issued on Lovewell Lake and South Lake, which does not preclude boating or fishing activities by residents but any direct contact with the water is strongly discouraged.

Six counties in Kansas have been affected by blue green algae and while local authorities continually monitor the water and apply algae removal techniques when required, the increased awareness of the public towards harmful algae blooms (HABs) could be one of the reasons why the state feels it needs to be proactive rather than reactive.

Following a period of increased residential concern, a dedicated and comprehensive state website was set up in 2010 that includes regular posted updates and a map of water bodies that are under investigation.

In 2011, the state saw extremely high levels of cyanobacteria in Kansas lakes and the department issued significantly more warnings than in previous years. According to the website, there were a number of reported illnesses that were attributed to HABs and several dogs died as a result of contact with affected water.

Posted on July 2nd, 2012 under Lake and Pond Algae Control