(Toledo News Now) - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new guidelines and recommendations for testing drinking water for harmful toxins.
This announcement is the first time the EPA has set recommendations for microcystin levels in the water. Microcystin is a toxin found in algae that caused the water crisis in Toledo in 2014.
The EPA is now suggesting monitoring microcystin levels and issuing warnings against infants and young children consuming the water when levels exceed 0.3 micrograms per liter. The EPA suggests a warning for everyone when levels exceed 1.6.
The EPA's recommendations are different from the standards Toledo has been following, set by the World Health Organization. Those standards recommend only issuing one warning for everyone at 1.0 micrograms per liter.
Local experts say these new guidelines are a welcome step.
“It's a step in the right direction,” said Sandy Bihn, executive director of Lake Erie Waterkeeper. “This is a positive outcome from a very difficult situation in Toledo. Toledo sets the stage, I think, for making this happen.”
Now local leaders will come together to go over the suggestions and decide if they want to adopt the guidelines.
“One of the most glaring gaps in our algal bloom planning has been a lack of clear recommendations for state and local governments to respond,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH 9th District). “Today's draft guidance from EPA will allow our region to prepare short-term emergency response plans using the best available information to help keep our citizens safe.”
One thing that was not addressed was at what level the toxin is safe for people who are sick or on dialysis. Officials will also be looking for guidelines for skin contact.
