Marion County Lake under algae warning

Marion County Lake is under a blue-green algae warning after tests taken Monday revealed a suspicious-looking patch of algae spotted a week earlier is indeed harmful blue-green algae.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism issued the warning Thursday, upgrading a watch issued a week ago to a warning status.

Because of the warning, people and animals are strongly cautioned not to have direct contact with the water. They should not swim, wade, or ski at the lake. They also should not drink lake water although water from drinking taps, sinks, or showers is safe.

Fishing is allowed, but fish should be thoroughly washed and skinned before it is cooked and eaten. Anyone in contact with fish caught at the lake should thoroughly wash their hands after touching the fish and prevent animals from eating parts discarded. Only the filets should be eaten.

Boating and camping are permitted.

Algae blooms can develop and change rapidly. People and pets at any lake that has scum, is green, or appears to have a paint-like surface should not contact the water. Pets should not be allowed to eat dried algae on the shore.