State Assess Impact of Blue-Green Algae On State Parks

State parks officials are still assessing the impact of large-scale, blue-green algae blooms at Kansas lakes and reservoirs.

Dangerous levels of the toxic algae prompted state health officials to post advisories and warnings since May to keep people and pets from the water.

A spokesman for the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism says the concerns about water safety forced a number of visitors to cancel reservations for cabins and campsites near lakes. The agency doesn’t know for certain yet how much revenue it or area businesses lost due to the algae.

The algae are found naturally in water, but high heat and drought conditions caused abnormal levels of the toxins this summer. The toxins can cause rashes, vomiting, nausea and other symptoms.