In 2013, nine lakes in Kansas were under public health warnings due to blue-green algae (KSN.com 1). In 2012 blue-green algae was found in several Kansas lakes (WN.com 1). There were more than a dozen of people affected by this toxin last year. In 2011, there was a blue-green algae outbreak at Cheney Reservoir (KAKE.com 1). Cheney Reservoir supplies Wichita with sixty percent of its water supply. Lakes are being contaminated by blue-green algae; the outbreaks are caused by a variety of poisonous blue-green algae that makes water in lakes toxic. However, blue-green algae have its negative and positive effects; for example, fossils found long ago are believed to have survived due to the oxygen produced by algae. Although Blue-green algae has been said, to make people ill, this substance in fact, preserves soil, gives nutrients to crops, and helps improve health. “Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that can produce their own food through photosynthesis, just like plants do. This is why they are green in color. This alga is typically known as cyanobacteria and lives in lakes, ponds, marine waters, or even brackish waters. Blue-green algae in lakes can form what are known as Blooms. This phenomenon looks like green scum, foam, or a mat across the top of the water” (Aguiza 1). Blue-green algae become toxic when the temperature of the weather is high and causes the surrounding waters to become warm or hot and when the winds are low. It also becomes toxic when the bacteria forms bloom along with other pathogens. Blue-green algae are in the air we breathe, it’s also in the water we drink, and this bacterium has existed since the beginning of time. Blue-green algae dates back amongst the oldest fossils on earth and are one of the largest groups of bacteria in the world. This bacterium known as cyanobacteria is the cause of illness with humans, and the death of animals around the world; blue-green alga is found in every country. The cyanobacteria known as blue-green algae are a major factor in the lives of species on this earth. The effects of Blue-green algae give very unpleasant symptoms that cause discomfort and illness to people who come in contact with it. Symptoms are: allergic reactions, liver poisoning if swallowed, diarrhea, sore throat, nausea, headache, and vomiting. The best prevention of this illness and symptoms are to stay away from toxic areas, when there is a public health warning at any lakes, ponds, rivers or where ever it maybe, take heed to these warnings. The treatment for symptoms is to bathe in fresh water and soap when there is skin contact and seek medical attention. Kansas officials are working to keep blue-green algae under control during the summer and fall seasons; this is when the outbreaks occurs. The main goals are to educate the general public about the d