The cause? Toxins from a harmful algal bloom growing in Lake Erie. Right now, a bloom is forming on the surface of Lake Erie, and the algae continues to come back year after year.
What impact did this algae bloom have in Toledo in 2014?
ANN ARBOR—In August 2014, toxins from algal blooms in Lake Erie shut down the city of Toledo’s water supply, leaving more than 400,000 area residents without potable water for more than two days.
What is the main cause of algal blooms?
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus cause an overgrowth of algae in a short period of time, also called algae blooms. The overgrowth of algae consumes oxygen and blocks sunlight from underwater plants.
Is Toledo tap water safe to drink?
Our water is safe to drink.
Our water professionals test and monitor drinking water quality 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We produce approximately 75 million gallons of safe drinking water daily for nearly 500,000 people.
Where do Microcystins come from?
Microcystins—or cyanoginosins—are a class of toxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria; primarily Microcystis aeruginosa but also other Microcystis, as well as members of the Planktothrix, Anabaena, Oscillatoria and Nostoc genera.
Why is Lake Erie toxic?
Western Lake Erie has been plagued by an increase of HABs intensity over the past decade. These blooms consist of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, which are capable of producing toxins that pose a risk to human and animal health, foul coastlines, and impact communities and businesses that depend on the lake.
Is algae in drinking water harmful?
Drinking algae-affected water or consuming food (such as fish or shellfish) containing toxins can lead to gastroenteritis, which can induce vomiting, diarrhoea, fevers and headaches. These toxins may also affect the liver or nervous system.
What does algae bloom do to humans?
If water containing cyanobacteria toxin is swallowed, common gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. If there is direct contact with cyanobacteria toxin, skin and eye irritation may result, along with tingling or numbness of the lips, fingers and toes, and dizziness.
Is red tide caused by man?
Red tides have been around since long before humans. However, certain human activities are making them more frequent. Chemicals from farming, factories, sewage treatment plants and other sources can become dissolved in water on the land.
What kills blue-green algae?
Algae can be killed with several chemicals, including Simazine, calcium hypochlorite and Cupricide. For best results, treatment should be done when algal development is first seen. Note that some chemicals may be toxic to plants or livestock and aquatic animals, such as fish and crustaceans.
Is Toledo water hard or soft?
Hardness – Hardness is an indication of the amount of dissolved minerals in water. Toledo water has one grain of hardness. 0-9 grains is considered soft water.
Is Toledo Ohio safe?
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Toledo is not the safest city in the region. However, it is quite cozy and calm if you avoid dangerous areas and walk late at night. You can be safe in Toledo if you are always on the alert and use common sense.
Is Toledo water fluoridated?
There is a drinking water standard of 4 ppm for fluoride but there is no health guideline for this contaminant and much is unknown about the effects of fluoride long term on the human body. This water utility did not exceed the drinking water standard for fluoride but fluoride was found in their water.
What happens if you swallow blue-green algae?
Swallowing water containing blue-green algae/microcystin may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, and fever.
How long does it take to get sick from toxic algae?
Q: How soon do symptoms appear? A: Symptoms may take hours or days to show up in people or animals, but normally show up within one week after exposure.
How long does it take for blue-green algae to make you sick?
Ingestion: Gastrointestinal (GI) effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild liver enzyme elevations. The time to onset of GI symptoms after oral exposure is usually 3–5 hours and symptoms can last 1–2 days. Exposure can cause conjunctivitis, rhinitis, earache, sore throat, and swollen lips.
What is the cleanest Great Lake?
Lake Superior
Watershed’s surface: 209,000 square kms. Lake Superior is the largest, cleanest, and wildest of all the Great Lakes.
Can you eat fish from Lake Erie?
The answer is yes! It is safe to eat Lake Erie walleye 52 meals a year, or an average of once a week. All fish from Lake Erie are safe to eat some of the time, but walleye are among the safest, covered only by the general “one meal a week” advisory that covers most game fish in Ohio.
Which Great Lake is the deadliest?
The steely waters of Lake Superior surround the Apostle Islands, located off the Wisconsin shoreline. With a reputation for fickle weather, ravaging storms, and an average water temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, Lake Superior is fierce and unforgiving.
Why is my Brita filter water green?
The green color in your Brita filter water indicates the presence of algae, usually cyanobacteria. Algae are plant-like bacteria that grow in moist environments. They are usually found in ponds, lakes, tanks, wells, and streams.
Why is my bottled water turning green?
It’s now a common occurrence and takes place once the water bottle is directly exposed to sunlight or receiving too much light from the sun. As a result of sunlight frequent penetration, algae grows, which is the green colour perceived on the bottle.