Reservoir under algae watch

After avoiding algae advisories most of last summer, Marion Reservoir is back to dealing with them on this year’s first major weekend for visitors.

A blue-green algae watch for the reservoir was issued Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Three lakes were listed with more serious algae warnings: August Santa Fe Lake in Butler County, Frazier Lake in Grant County, and Gathering Pond in Geary County.

Pony Creek Lake in Brown County also is under an algae watch.

Advisories for Council Grove City Lake in Morris County and Lake Shawnee in Shawnee County were lifted.

A watch indicates that a harmful algae bloom is possible and may be present.

KDHE requires that warning signs be posted at all public access points.

Visitors are warned that water may be unsafe for humans and animals.

Areas of algae accumulation should be avoided, and people and pets should not eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.

Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.

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 after any contact.

Fish should be cleaned thoroughly with drinkable water. Only the filet portion should be eaten.