Lake Erie, which is a source of drinking water for the Toledo water system may have been impacted by a harmful algal bloom (HAB). These organisms are capable of producing a number of toxins that may pose a risk to human and animal health. HABs occur when excess nitrogen and phosphorus are present in lakes and streams. Such nutrients can come from runoff of over-fertilized fields and lawns, from malfunctioning septic systems and from livestock pens.
Additional monitoring is being conducted and we will let you know when the situation has been resolved or if additional precautions should be taken. The water system is running additional tests to verify the severity of the microcystin levels in our water supply.
You are being asked to avoid drinking or boiling water.
Chemists testing water at Toledo's Collins Park Water Treatment Plant had two sample readings for microcystin.
The health department says it is critical that residents know the following:
1. It is safe for healthy adults to bathe, wash their hands, and shower. While bathing, children should be under the supervision of an adult to prevent accidental drinking of the water.
2. Do not drink tap water until the all clear is given, this also includes pets.
3. Do not use tap water to cook until the all clear is given.
4. Do not boil tap water.
5. It is ok to use and flush your toilet.
What should you do:
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Alternative water should be used for drinking, making infant formula, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Pets should not drink the water.
DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling the water will not destroy the toxins – it will increase the concentration of the toxins.
Consuming water containing algal toxins may result in abnormal liver function, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, numbness or dizziness. Seek medical attention if you feel you have been exposed to algal toxins and are having adverse health effects. Skin contact with contaminated water can cause irritation or rashes. Contact a veterinarian immediately if pets or livestock show signs of illness.
'Do not drink, do not boil' water advisory issued for issued for - Toledo News Now, Breaking News, Weather, Sports, Toledo
Additional monitoring is being conducted and we will let you know when the situation has been resolved or if additional precautions should be taken. The water system is running additional tests to verify the severity of the microcystin levels in our water supply.
You are being asked to avoid drinking or boiling water.
Chemists testing water at Toledo's Collins Park Water Treatment Plant had two sample readings for microcystin.
The health department says it is critical that residents know the following:
1. It is safe for healthy adults to bathe, wash their hands, and shower. While bathing, children should be under the supervision of an adult to prevent accidental drinking of the water.
2. Do not drink tap water until the all clear is given, this also includes pets.
3. Do not use tap water to cook until the all clear is given.
4. Do not boil tap water.
5. It is ok to use and flush your toilet.
What should you do:
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Alternative water should be used for drinking, making infant formula, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Pets should not drink the water.
DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling the water will not destroy the toxins – it will increase the concentration of the toxins.
Consuming water containing algal toxins may result in abnormal liver function, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, numbness or dizziness. Seek medical attention if you feel you have been exposed to algal toxins and are having adverse health effects. Skin contact with contaminated water can cause irritation or rashes. Contact a veterinarian immediately if pets or livestock show signs of illness.
'Do not drink, do not boil' water advisory issued for issued for - Toledo News Now, Breaking News, Weather, Sports, Toledo