You May Not Want To Swim In These 7 Ohio Lakes This Summer Due To A Dangerous Discovery
Several bodies of water in Ohio have recently been placed under health advisory due to high and potentially dangerous levels of bacteria and toxic algae.
Algae blooms are large formations of algae that can cover the surface of a body of water. Microcystin is a toxin produced by algae, and is harmful to humans and animals. Any concentration of microcystin greater than six parts per billion in the water results in a public health advisory. If the levels are higher than 20 ppb, the health department advises that people avoid any contact with the affected water.
Children, elderly individuals and women who are nursing or pregnant are at particular risk from the contaminated water. People with weakened immune systems or those who are ill are also cautioned to avoid the water.
Generally, bacteria contamination prompts a lower advisory level than toxic algae contamination. The lowest advisory levels are in effect for Lake Erie, the Little Miami River and Lake Logan.
Below are the bodies of water that have been placed under a health advisory due to contamination. They are not listed in order of contamination level. Where available, the area where the contaminated samples were pulled is listed after the name of the body of water.
1. Grand Lake St. Marys, Auglaize County - Main East, Main West, Windy Point
Algae blooms have been detected in Grand Lake St. Marys. Samples taken from the water show high levels of microcystin, which is a toxin produced by algae. As of June 29, residents have been warned to avoid contact with the water.
Please note that the above images were taken in 2010 during a different algae bloom event in the lake. The lake's surface currently appears clear. However, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, both bacteria and algae levels in all tested areas of the lake have actually increased since they were tested in mid-June. The latest testing results are from July 3. An elevated recreational public health advisory remains in effect for the lake.
2. Lake Erie, Ottawa, Erie, Cuyahoga and Lake counties
A yellow advisory has been issued for parts of Lake Erie as of June 27 due to water samples that have tested at an unsafe bacterial level. Officials are advising children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
Parts of Little Miami River are under a health advisory due to toxic levels of bacteria. Officials are advising children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
Parts of Lake Logan have tested positively for high levels of bacterial contamination. Officials are advising children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
Chippewa Lake has been affected by a toxic algae bloom. Water samples tested at 10.5 ppb on June 8. The lake has not been formally closed to the public, but officials are advising swimmers to exercise extreme caution and for children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid the water completely.
Levels of microcystin at Kiser lake have tested at 25 ppb, which is well above the safe limit. For this reason, residents have been advised to avoid any contact with the water. The most recent samples were taken on June 23. Earlier samples taken the week prior showed microsystin levels of 11.7 ppb.
Buckeye Lake has been affected by a toxic algae bloom producing high levels of microsystin. The state has issued an elevated health advisory. Residents are cautioned to avoid all contact with the water.
Once officials pull two water samples from a body of water that test under six ppb, the health advisory on that body of water will be lifted. Algae levels and advisories fluctuate throughout the summer, so the information above is subject to change as new water samples are taken. Please follow all signs and directions at local lakes and rivers, and stay up to date on water advisories in your area.
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