Swimming banned by algae warning at reservoir

Swimmers’ prospects took a turn for the worse when members of the public reported seeing blue-green algae this week at Marion Reservoir.

A warning issued Tuesday by Kansas Department of Health and Environment advised against water-skin contact or going near areas of visible algae accumulation.

In spite of the recent appearance, the algae has already spread throughout the reservoir’s northeast end, assistant lake director Kevin McCoy said. Swimming beaches are closed, but boating is still allowed, and fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the filet is eaten.