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Toledo Lake Water Contamination

Lake Erie turned fluorescent green and contaminated the drinking water of Toledo, Ohio, affecting more than 400,000 people in the area. The massive algal bloom, which took part in the lake, is caused by the growth of certain kinds of algae in response to changes in chemicals in the water, often from fertilizer components. This led to massive water contamination in Toledo. Algae in water is typically non-toxic and invisible to the human eye, but can become toxic if allowed to accumulate to levels where it is visibly thick.

Blooms are commonly made by cyanobacteria, which form in warm and still bodies of water. Cyanobacteria are also called blue-green algae, after the color of their algal blooms. The algae has released certain chemicals including microcystin, a deadly cyanotoxin too small to be filtered using normal water treatment techniques. People are advised to avoid boiling the water, as it will only increase the concentration of microcystin. The toxin is completely unaffected by heat, and as the water boils away, the toxin remains. Cooking with this water is also forbidden, as it will only make the water more toxic.

In some people, the toxin can create a sensation similar to being drunk. The toxin attacks the liver, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and numbness. Skin contact with contaminated water can cause a rash. The water supplies that were affected by the toxins include those in the following areas:

• ALL of Lucas County
• Bedford Township
• Eastern Swan Creek Township
• Erie Township
• La Salle Township
• Lake Township
• Luna Pier
• Maumee
• Northwood
• Ottawa Hills
• Perrysburg
• Perrysburg Township
• Rossford
• South County Water Customers – Michigan
• Springfield Township
• Sylvania
• Sylvania Township
• Toledo
• Troy Township
• Village of Metamora
• Village of Whitehouse
• Walbridge
• Waterville

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My Thoughts on This Warning

The recent highly publicized unsafe water situation in Ohio caused by a toxin (microcystin) released by a particularly large algae bloom in Lake Erie brought to mind a very effective yet minimally known process for eradicating algae – ultrasonics. I was concerned that the governing agencies would introduce chemicals or a fish species that could assist in algae abatement but with possible unintended consequences. Apparently, the treatment plants are able to neutralize the toxins or they self expired.

If you have an algae problem in a water storage tank, a cooling tower, a pond or pool, give serious thought to an ultrasonic system – no chemicals introduced into the environment and perfectly safe for animal life.

Resources:

• http://www.thewire.com/national/2014/08/city-officials-announce-that-toledos-water-is-unsafe-to-drink/375493/
• https://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/08/02/1318607/-Alert-Do-not-drink-the-water-in-Toledo-Ohio-and-Surrounding-Areas-INC-parts-of-Michigan
• http://abcnews.go.com/US/caused-toledos-water-contamination/story?id=24825275

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