More Water Woes

Notice from the City of Toledo.  Not a good week for water systems in the United States.  The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card gives water infrastructure a grade of D.  As the report card points out, we are basically in a battle with time.  The infrastructure matrix, including water systems, will not last forever without significant investment.  Time will always win - - even with a highly professional and dedicate group of water utility professionals doing their very best day in and day out - - time is not on their side.  Our water woes would be a good topic for John Oliver to cover in his HBO show, Last Week Tonight.

"At the dawn of the 21st century, much of our drinking water infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life. There are an estimated 240,000 water main breaks per year in the United States. Assuming every pipe would need to be replaced, the cost over the coming decades could reach more than $1 trillion, according to the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The quality of drinking water in the United States remains universally high, however. Even though pipes and mains are frequently more than 100 years old and in need of replacement, outbreaks of disease attributable to drinking water are rare."

Urgent water notice!

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 microgram 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.   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.

Steps are being taken to restock water supplies and to set up water distribution points.  Please stay tuned to local media for updates. 

Please call 419-936-2020 if you need additional information.