URGENT NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF TOLEDO & LUCAS COUNTY WHO RECEIVE WATER FROM THE CITY OF TOLEDO DO NOT DRINK THE WATER DO NOT BOIL THE WATER
Chemists testing water at Toledo’s Collins Park Water Treatment Plant
had two sample readings for microcystin in excess of the recommended “DO
NOT DRINK” 1 micro-gram per liter standard. This notice applies to ALL
customers of Toledo water.
Most importantly, water should not be
consumed until an all clear is issued. It is important to state that
this drinking water alert does NOT recommend boiling, and in fact,
boiling water can worsen the situation. Water should not be given to
pets.
Additional information as to where to obtain water will be
forthcoming, steps will be taken to provide drinkable water if
necessary.
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.
What happened? What is being done?
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.
Please stay tuned to media for more
information and share this information with friends, family or neighbors
that may not have been informed through this media release. A phone
number for the public to call will be included in a future release.