Marion County Lake was upgraded July 7 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:
• 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.