FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Lands, PIO
419.213.4143 September 21, 2017
Algal Bloom Prompts Recreational Public Health Advisory
****Tap Water is Safe****
Tap water is safe to drink. Toledo test results for microcystin indicate NON-DETECT in tap water and less than 5 ppb in untreated water in the intake crib in Lake Erie. The Water Quality Dashboard remains at “CLEAR” when there is less than 5 ppb detected in the raw water in the intake crib in Lake Erie.
Toledo-Lucas County Health Department (TLCHD) was informed of an algal bloom detected on the Maumee River, near Promenade Park downtown extending to Cullen Park. Testing is being conducted in response to algal activity.
Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is issuing a recreational public health advisory. Swimming and wading in the Maumee River is not recommended for children, pregnant/ nursing women, pets, or those with certain medical conditions. Advisory signs will be posted along the Maumee River at various access points.
If you have been in contact with water associated with the algal bloom, rinse your skin immediately. Symptoms of exposure to a harmful algal bloom include: rash, hives, blisters, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you’ve had contact with water in the Maumee River and are displaying these symptoms, please seek medical care.
TLCHD is collaborating with the Ohio Department of Health, Lucas County EMA, City of Toledo, Lucas County Officials, Toledo Water Treatment Plant, and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For more information on harmful algal blooms visit the Health Department’s website at www.lucascountyhealth.com.
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