Algae advisory elevated to warning

A blue-green algae watch issued last week for Marion Reservoir was elevated Friday to a warning.

The reservoir, which escaped most algae advisories last year, is one of just four bodies of water in the state that will be under algae advisories until at least next Friday. Marion County Lake is not among them.

Also designated for algae warnings are Frazier Lake in Grant County and Gathering Pond in Geary County. A previous warning for Augusta Santa Fe Lake in Butler County was downgraded to a watch.

Warnings indicate that harmful algae blooms are present or expected. Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires that warning signs be posted at all public access points.

Visitors are warned that water may be unsafe for humans and animals. Inhalation of spray or aerosols from boating or skiing may be harmful. Lake water is not safe for humans, pets, or livestock to drink, and direct contact with lake water should be avoided.

Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms. If lake water contacts skin, visitors should wash with clean water as soon as possible.

Fish should be cleaned thoroughly with drinkable water, and only the filet portion should be eaten.

Marion, Hillsboro, Peabody, and Marion County Lake all receive their drinking water from Marion Reservoir. However, special treatments at water plants in Marion and Hillsboro are thought to remove any dangerous toxins.

Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, come in many varieties and tend to release invisible chemicals toxic to humans and animals when they die.

Some chemicals from some varieties are minor annoyances only, but some species can produce potent neurotoxins that could lead to serious illness or even death.

Determining which variety of algae are present requires costly microscopic examination that can require several days.