A blue-green algae warning for Marion Reservoir went into effect Thursday, the first such warning of the season.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the warning based on sampling of the lake conducted June 7 which

KDHE provided the following guidelines for blue-green algae warnings:

• Direct contact with water, is discouraged, including wading, swimming, and skiing. Pets and livestock also should be restricted from water contact.
• Fish are safe to eat as long as they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish.
• Pets 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.

Alerts, guidance, and other information about blue-green algae can be found at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/.