Distribution centers in the city of Toledo closed at 11 a.m. on Tuesday after Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins declared water in Toledo safe for consumption. Residents were finally safe to drink tap water after consistent test results showed microcystin no longer exceeded the recommended drinking water warning of 1 microgram per liter standard set by the World Health Organization in testing done by the City of Toledo, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. EPA.
The public was, however, asked to conserve non-essential water usage until the water treatment plant returned to full operation. Conservation efforts, including refraining from watering grass, were urged to continue until further notice. Water testing is to continue to monitor the water to ensure that it is safe.
The public water system was found to be contaminated with an algae bloom on Saturday, Aug. 2 and as many as 400,000 people in and around the city were unable to use the water. Gov. John Kasich declared a state of emergency. The Ohio National Guard, including members of the 200th RED HORSE squadron at Camp Perry and Mansfield were activated to deliver bottled water and water purification systems.
When the ban was lifted, the city posted the following statement on their site, “The employees of the City of Toledo, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Lucas County, State of Ohio and the Ohio National Guard should be recognized for their dedication and tireless efforts to protect and preserve public health and safety. Governor Kasich’s commitment to the challenge is appreciated.”
Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler made the following statement, “After exhaustive testing, analysis and discussions between Toledo water officials, the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA, we support the city’s decision to lift its drinking water advisory. Throughout the difficulty of the past few days everyone involved has demonstrated the utmost professionalism and commitment to solving this problem. The mayor and his team, U.S. EPA and the other scientific and academic leaders who lent us their expertise worked in a constructive way to turn the water back on for the people of Toledo. In the days ahead, we will continue to work closely with Toledo and others to better understand what happened and support their effort to supply safe drinking water to its customers.”
In his statement Gov. Kasich said, “The people of Toledo came together unselfishly to support one another over the past two days and are great examples of the Ohio spirit. My compliments also go to Mayor Collins and his team. They served their city well and we will continue to work with them closely and support them going forward. My hat is also off to all who worked around the clock to distribute water and other essentials. They made a big difference. Over the past two days we’ve been reminded of the importance of our crown jewel—Lake Erie—to our everyday lives. We must remain vigilant in our ongoing efforts to protect it.”
