County lake under ‘watch,’ reservoir a ‘warning’

Marion County Lake was upgraded last Thursday to a “watch” for harmful algal blooms while Marion Reservoir remains under a “warning” as determined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism.

If a lake is under a public health warning for blue-green algae, activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.

• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.

• Water contact should be avoided.

• Fish may be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.

• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.

If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Milford Reservoir and Sam’s Pond also are under public warning.

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