Algae watch continues at county lake
Marion County Lake’s blue-green algae advisory was continued Friday for a fifth consecutive week. The advisory does not extend to Marion Reservoir, which had been under an advisory from May 22 until July 25.
The lake’s advisory is the lowest level alert — a watch, not a warning or a hazard status. A total of 11 bodies of water in the state were placed under warnings Friday, and six others joined the county lake on the watch list.
A watch indicates that a harmful bloom may be present. Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires that signs be posted at all public access points.
Visitors are warned that water may be unsafe for humans and animals. Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms, if any. Boating and fishing are safe, but inhalation of spray might affect some people
Direct contact with water should be avoided, and visitors should wash with clean water.
An algae bloom could look like foam, scum, or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown, or red. Blooms can develop rapidly.
Symptoms of illness vary with the species of algae. Common symptoms may include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.
Last modified Aug. 9, 2025