TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a public drinking water notice for the City of Marion.

The notice was issued June 21, 2019, because of low levels of Microcystins, which is a blue-green algae toxin being detected in the drinking water. While the levels and water remained acceptable for drinking, food preparation and household uses, the EPA and KDHE believed it was important to inform consumers.

Samples collected by the City of Marion on Aug. 13 indicate microcystin levels are now below laboratory detection levels for drinking water. The levels in Marion’s drinking water have remained below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 10-day Health Advisory levels of 0.3 micrograms per liter of microcystins and was acceptable for drinking, food preparation and all household use for the entire Public Notice period.

Microcystins entered the supply due to blue-green algae blooms occurring in Marion Reservoir, which is the source water for the City of Marion’s water supply.

Marion Public Water Supply is currently participating in the KDHE Public Water Supply Harmful Algal Bloom Voluntary Monitoring Program and will continue to monitor the public water supply for microcystins through October 2019. 

Water system purchasing water from Marion: Marion County Improvement District No. 2, should be aware of the rescinded notice and be assured that their water is acceptable for use, as well.

Additional information can be found at EPA’s website: Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water (https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/harmful-algal-blooms-and-cyanotoxins-drinking-water-factsheets-and)