Algae is back
KDHE, cities wait for test results
Staff reporter
The second annual outbreak of algae has been detected at Marion Reservoir.
A small area of potentially hazardous algae was spotted this past week by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel near the corps' boathouse at Cottonwood Point.
"The area is expanding to the north side of the lake," said Terry Holt, park ranger.
Water plant personnel from Marion and Hillsboro have collected water samples as have officials from Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Holt said.
"They're conducting an investigation," Holt explained.
Signs were posted Thursday at swimming areas, boat ramps, and entrances to campsites, alerting boaters, fishermen, and swimmers of the potential danger of the algae.
Marion City Administrator David Mayfield reported Monday to the city commission of the outbreak, stating "It's not a huge concern." He added the city is monitoring it on a daily basis.
"We are monitoring this condition on a daily basis," Mayfield stated in his written weekly report to the commission, "and it does not appear to be a threat at this time.
"As a precaution, we have begun the process of adding additional powdered activated carbon as recommended by KDHE last year," Mayfield's report continued. "Should we experience a massive bloom again this year, we have the ability to draw water from our back-up source, Mud (Luta) Creek, if necessary. This transition will be possible without causing any interruption of supplying treated water to our customers. We are prepared for any situation regarding the reservoir."
"Customers will have hard water if pumped from the creek," Mayfield added.
KDHE has taken samples and other samples have been drawn and sent to the Corps of Engineers microbiologists to identify the type of algae and cell counts, Mayfield's report concluded. The city will be notified when the determinations are made.
At press time, the city had not received any testing information.
David Brazil, Marion County Sanitarian, said Monday during Marion County Commission meeting, he was concerned about the algae outbreak.
"I know the cities have addressed the drinking water issue," Brazil said. He said he was concerned about recreational activities bringing people in contact with the algae.
"I'm in the back seat, watching," Brazil said. "I am concerned about contact recreation."
Brazil said he was aware Marion and Hillsboro water plants are adding additional carbon to treat the water but believes the county's position is to provide public information.
"If KDHE doesn't monitor or provide information, I'm going to do it," Brazil promised the commission.
Brazil distributed information to the commission regarding the different types of toxins found in algae and guidelines for safe recreational activities.
Also of concern to the park ranger is the migration of zebra mussels. Holt said they have not found their way to Marion Reservoir.
"Marvin Peterson has been doing a good job in keeping an eye on the situation," Holt said.
Holt added corps personnel have been trained to recognize zebra mussels.
"We are aware of it and looking for it," Holt said. At the present time, there is no documentation or indication of any zebra mussels.
