(KNZA)--A public health advisory continues for a local lake.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release issued Thursday, said the Atchison County State Fishing Lake is among three lakes in the state under watch status for blue-green algae.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algae bloom is present or likely to develop.  

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

KDHE says boating and fishing are safe.  However, direct contact with the water should be avoided.

Any fish caught should be cleaned thoroughly with only the fillet portion eaten.