Toledo Decreases Frequency of Tests for Water Toxins

The city of Toledo is switching from daily to weekly testing for certain toxins in Lake Erie.

Federal standards don’t require the city to test the water more often than once a week unless microcystin reaches five parts per billion in untreated water. That’s five times its current level. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Heidi Griesmer says, overall, Toledo officials are monitoring Lake Erie toxin levels much more closely than they were last year, when a high concentration of microcystin polluted the area’s water supply.

“They have a bouy at their intake that monitors water quality. They also have monitors at their raw water crib and pump station. So they are much more aware of what is occurring at their intake, which gives them five to six hours of notice if they need to make changes in their water treatment process.”

-Heidi Griesmer, Ohio EPA

Griesmer says no microcystin is currently being detected in treated water. She says if it is found, the city will have to return to daily testing.