General information pertaining to blue-green algae blooms in Kansas can be found on the KDHE's Bureau of Water's website. Public health advisories for harmful algal blooms (HABs) based on recreational exposure are updated weekly during the bloom season, typically May through October. KDHE's HAB policy and HAB Response Plan are also available on this site.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEAP) formally issued drinking water health advisories (HA) for two cyanobacterial toxins on June 17, 2015. EPA also issued a companion informational fact sheet (PDF). The drinking water health advisories describe non-regulatory concentrations of drinking water contaminants at or below which adverse health effects are not anticipated to occur over specific exposure durations, 10-day exposure with regard to these two health advisories. EPA clarifies in their fact sheet that health advisories are non-regulatory values that serve as informal technical guidance to assist federal, state and local officials, and managers of public or community water systems to protect public health from contaminants. Currently there are no U.S. federal water quality criteria, or regulations for cyanobacteria or cyanotoxins in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) or in ambient waters under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Additional information may be found on EPA's Nutrient Policy and Data, Guidelines and Recommendations website.
Helpful Resources
Please email Rob Gavin or call Rob at 785-296-0643, or email Cathy Tucker-Vogel or call Cathy at 785-368-7130 for questions pertaining to harmful algal blooms and public water supply systems.