County lake under algae watch
A blue-green algae watch was issued Friday for Marion County Lake.
The lake is among 13 bodies of water in Kansas under algae watches. Eight other bodies of water are under more serious algae warnings. Marion Reservoir is not among either group.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment rules state that whenever a watch is issued:
- Signs must be posted at public access locations.
- Visitors should avoid inhaling spray or aerolized reservoir water and areas of heavy algae accumulation.
- Humans, pets, and livestock should not drink reservoir water or eat dried algae.
- Visitors should avoid contacting reservoir water. If water does touch someone’s skin, the skin should immediately be washed with clean water.
- Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed.
Algae may appear as scum or a paint-like surface on the water, in small floating clumps, as filaments in the water, or as water that appears to be opaque green.
Excretions from dying blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, carry different dangers, from being minor skin irritants to potent, even fatal neurotoxins that also can damage other organs. Animals often are more susceptible than humans.
Last modified Aug. 30, 2026