Residents of Toledo, Ohio will learn today when they can drink tap water again after officials warned that the water supply was polluted with toxins likely released by algae blooms.
At least 400,000 people in the midwestern city and its suburbs were also warned not to boil the water because that would increase the concentration of the microcystin toxin.
Chemists testing water at the city's treatment plant "had two sample readings for microcystin in excess of the recommended 'DO NOT DRINK' 1 microgram per liter standard," the City of Toledo said in a statement yesterday.
"This notice applies to ALL customers of Toledo water," it said, adding that water "should not be consumed until an all clear is issued."
Toledo Mayor Michael Collins wrote on his Twitter account that the water tests had been delayed, and that the city still had no results.
"We believe that we will be able to move forward by mid-afternoon on Sunday," Collins wrote.
The local Red Cross said that the toxin can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and affect liver functions but is rarely fatal to humans.
Governor John Kasich issued a state of emergency for three counties Saturday due to the contaminated water, allowing state officials to divert water to the affected area.
National Guard soldiers were mobilized to help distribute bottled water in Toledo.
Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Director David Grossman told local CBS affiliate WAFB that the emergency response has been "remarkable," and that there is "plenty of water for everybody to get through the immediate crisis."
However the long-term issue of the toxins must be addressed, he said.
Residents can wash their hands and take showers with the tap water, Grossman said.
City of Toledo officials however issued a statement urging restaurants not to use the tap water to wash dishes.
"Be careful with fresh foods purchased from grocery today. Things like freshly misted produce could be contaminated," the Ohio Red Cross said in a statement.
