LOCAL

Algae warning issued for Marion Reservoir

Staff Writer
The Hutchinson News
This file photo shows some blue-green algae on a lake in Wisconsin.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism issued a warning for blue-green algae in Marion Reservoir in Marion County on Tuesday.

The agencies also continued algae watches for Cheney Lake in Reno County, Kanopolis Reservoir in Ellsworth County and Marion County Lake in Marion County.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends avoiding contact with the water and not letting pets or livestock drink from it. Fish from the lake may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed,

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.

Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.