Algae test clears reservoir
Lake warning downgraded

It is safe to go in the water again at Marion Reservoir.

Test results for blue-green algae were sufficient to end a public health advisory for blue-green algae Thursday. The tests were conducted by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Levels of blue-green algae were 48.3 percent below the level that would trigger an advisory at Hillsboro Cove, 37.3 percent below at Marion Cove beach, and 75.7 percent below at Cottonwood Point.

Also on Thursday, KDHE downgraded a public health warning for Marion County Park and Lake to an advisory.

Tests were 51.6 percent below the level for a warning at the dam area boat ramp and 47.4 percent below at the swimming beach.

Just a week earlier, the levels were 51.1 percent above warning level at the boat ramp and 168.6 percent above at the swimming beach.

The levels at the county lake are still too high for swimming, Marion County Environmental Health Director Tonya Richards said.

The county is opening the lake to waterskiing, Jet Skiing, and other deep-water activities, Park and Lake Superintendent Steve Hudson said Monday.

Hudson said KDHE officials would meet with the county commission on Monday.

With the change from a warning to an advisory, tests will be conducted at the county lake on a monthly basis instead of weekly.