A warning for those trying to beat the heat by heading to the lake - officials have closed two swimming beaches at Perry Lake, 17 miles northeast of Topeka, Kan., in Jefferson County, because of concerns about harmful algae in the water.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism announced on Friday that they had closed the Perry Park Corps of Engineers Swim Beach and the Perry State Park Beach after testing indicated harmful algae bloom levels. 

The agencies said that high levels of toxic blue-green algae had been discovered at the Rock Creek Arm and the Old Town Public Use Area of the lake. Areas around the park will still be open, but the agencies say to avoid direct contact with the water as it can cause anything from skin and eye irritation and allergic reactions to severe illness and death in extreme cases of overexposure. Officials said the drinking water and showers are safe, however.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also suggests deep cleaning any fish caught from the waters.

Kansas public waters currently under warning:
Perry Lake – Rock Creek Arm
Perry Lake – Old Town Public Use Area 
Marion County Lake
Memorial Park Lake, Great Bend, Barton County
Meade State Lake, Meade County

Kansas public waters currently under advisory:
Big Hill Reservoir
Perry Lake
Marion Reservoir
Old Herington City Lake
Logan City Lake, Phillips County