Algae watch continues at county lake

For the third week in a row, Marion County Lake will be under a blue-green algae advisory.

An algae warning imposed two weeks ago was lowered to a watch last week and renewed Friday for another week.

Marion Reservoir, which had been under a warning or watch since May 22, was cleared last week and continues to be in the clear for the coming week.

In all, eight Kansas bodies of water will be under warnings, and eight others under less serious watches until Aug. 1.

A watch indicates that a harmful bloom may be present. Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires that signs be posted at all public access points.

Visitors are warned that water may be unsafe for humans and animals. Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms. Boating and fishing are safe, but inhalation of spray might affect some people

Direct contact with water should be avoided, and visitors should wash with clean water.

An algae bloom could look like foam, scum, or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown, or red. Blooms can develop rapidly.

Symptoms of illness vary depending on the species of algae. Common symptoms may include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.