Two strains of algae found, toxin levels undetermined
Local officials wait for water test results
Staff reporter
Lab results had not yet been received by local authorities regarding the deaths of three dogs after drinking water from Marion Reservoir.
Bobbi Strait, county sanitarian, reported Monday to Marion County Commission that water test results would not be available until late Tuesday.
Dr. Tony Clyde of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers told Strait that when he visited Marion Reservoir last week, he observed two species of blue-green algae.
"The kind we had last year wasn't toxic," Strait said. The reservoir hasn't experienced a major bloom for two years.
Four dogs became ill July 7 and 8, with three of the four dogs dying from toxins. It was believed that all four dogs could have drunk water from the reservoir.
There is no evidence of any fish kill or other algae-related poisoning.
Visitors should continue to use caution when swimming or boating.
There are no restrictions regarding consumption of fish from the reservoir.
