(KAIR)--A public health watch is in place for a local lake due to high levels of toxic blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release, says Perry Lake, in Jefferson County, is among five others in the state listed under a watch status.

Six lakes in the state are placed under a warning status because of the blue-green algae, but none are in the local area.

State health officials say direct contact with the water is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock for lakes under a watch, or warning, status.

Fish can be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water. Only the fillet portion should be consumed and all other parts discarded.