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August 4, 2014

Over 400,000 Under Water Ban in Ohio; Toxic Algae Boom Linked to Climate Change, Industrial Farming 
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Northwest Ohio is in the third day of a water ban affecting more than
400,000 people. The ban was ordered after tests showed high levels of a
dangerous toxin in the water supply for Toledo and surrounding areas.
The toxin, microcystin, causes skin rashes and can lead to liver damage.
In a briefing to reporters, Toledo Mayor Michael Collins said that while
toxin levels are improving, there is no timeline for when water will be
safe to drink.

Toledo Mayor Michael Collins: "But I can't give you a time. If I could,
I would. But I can't, because I don't have that time. And all I can tell
you is everything is trending in a very positive direction."

The high levels of the toxin microcystin are caused by booming algae on
Lake Erie. Several factors fuel algae increases, including an excess
runoff of phosphorus from industrial farms that use excess fertilizer
and adopt other poor practices. Climate change is also linked to algae
booms, with heavier rains and hotter temperatures causing an increased
phosphorus runoff into the lake.

 

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