With summer near, the state is sharing safety advice for enjoying the Commonwealth’s many water resources, whether boating, fishing, swimming, or canoeing.
Although water quality has improved in many places, some health risks still exist in natural waters.
Using common sense can greatly reduce the chance of getting sick from water exposure.
The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) recommend the following:
- Avoid swallowing or breathing in water from lakes, rivers, or streams.
- Wash your hands and any skin that touched the water thoroughly.
- Keep open wounds away from water to prevent infection.
- Stay out of water where swimming or harmful algal bloom (HAB) warnings are in place.
- Avoid water that smells bad or has visible surface scum.
- Do not swim or enter water after heavy rain, especially near cities, farms, or dense neighborhoods.
- Avoid areas downstream of wastewater treatment plants, animal feedlots, or other clear pollution sources.
- Keep pets and farm animals from drinking water that has bright green or blue-green scum on the surface.
The state posts water safety updates on the DOW Advisory page.
For details on the water quality of Kentucky’s lakes, rivers, streams, and springs, visit the Water Health Portal.
If you notice symptoms like stomach upset or skin rash after water activities, see a doctor or contact your local health department.
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