Algae advisories issued for both lakes

Runoff from last week’s storms took a toll on Marion County’s lakes.

A blue-green algae warning was issued Thursday for Marion Reservoir, and a less-serious watch was issued for Marion County Lake.

They join three other Kansas bodies of water facing algae advisories: Webster Reservoir in Rooks County, Jerry Ivey Lake in Saline County, and Keith Sebelius Reservoir in Norton County.

Contact with lake or reservoir water should be avoided, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in announcing the alerts.

Visitors whose skin contacts lake or reservoir water should rinse with fresh water as soon as possible afterward.

Humans and pets should not drink lake water nor eat dried algae. Fish taken remain safe to eat but only after being rinsed with fresh water and all but the filet portion is discarded.

Beaches are likely to be closed at the reservoir. Swimming and skiing are discouraged, especially near algae blooms. Some boaters may experience difficulty if they inhale spray.

Blue-green algae release toxins that can cause anything from mild skin irritation to potentially fatal neurological damage.

Algae warnings are updated each Thursday.