(KNZA)--A public health advisory for a local lake has been downgraded.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment had placed the Hiawatha City Lake under " warning" status July 11 due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae but in a news release Thursday said that has now been downgraded to " watch" status.

The lake is among nine in the state under " watch" status.

People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets  away from the water.

KDHE says fish should be cleaned well with potable water and only the fillet portion consumed.

Seven lakes in the state are currently under " warning" status.  None of those are in the local area.