Reservoir open to most activities

Blue-green algae warning remains in effect

Camping, boating, and fishing restrictions were lifted today at Marion Reservoir, but swimming remains prohibited under a blue-green algae warning issue by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“All camping sites are available, even along shorelines,” lake manager Kevin McCoy said. “Boat ramps are open, but swim beaches remain closed.”

Direct contact with lake water is still hazardous, McCoy said.

“You don’t want to be swimming in it; you don’t want to be water skiing or jet skiing,” he said.

Fishermen should limit water contact and thoroughly wash hands and arms in clean water after fishing and handling fish. Keep only fillets and discard fish heads and organs.

A few campsites will have to be cleaned before they can be used, McCoy said. Campers with reservations should call gate attendants at Cottonwood Point, (620) 382-6095, and Hillsboro Cove, (620) 382-8482 to check on the status of their sites.

“This is still a warning, and it can go up or down next week during the testing, but for now, Marion Lake is open for business,” McCoy said.

Marion County Lake is not included in the warning, and city water supplies are not affected.