Ohio EPA Introduces New Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory System

A new multi-tiered advisory system to notify the public if microcystin, and other compounds produced by blue-green algae, is detected in treated drinking water at local public water systems throughout the state has been developed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) as part of its annual review. The new advisory system is part of a strategy that has been updated annually since it was first created in 2011. As it has in years past, it includes a number of changes that build on the State’s experience and knowledge of harmful algal blooms. This year’s strategy includes new health advisory levels from U.S. EPA.
Earlier this summer, the U.S. EPA established national health advisory levels for microcystin and cylindrospermopsin based on drinking water over a 10 day period. While exceeding these advisory levels may not trigger an immediate do not drink advisory, potential health effects can occur from longer exposure to higher levels of these compounds in drinking water. In response, Ohio EPA and partnering agencies have established public notification protocols based on U.S. EPA’s proposed guidelines as part of a Public Water System Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy. New Ohio communication protocols include initial alerts when microcystin is first detected, consumption and use advisories for public water systems to follow, which are outlined in the accompanying release.
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