Active Harmful Algal Bloom Advisories

Ohioans should be aware of any unusual water conditions and, along with their pets, avoid contact and ingestion of visible surface scum.  Ohio EPA will continue to evaluate and assess any impacts to drinking water systems and will test for toxins at specific locations if necessary.   Updated drinking water information will continue to be available on the toxin monitoring page.

Recreational Public Health Advisory - An orange Recreational Public Health Advisory sign will be posted at beaches when toxin levels exceed the recommended threshold, warning individuals who are elderly or very young and people with compromised immune systems that swimming or wading is not recommended.

No Contact Advisory - A red No Contact Advisory sign will be posted when toxin levels exceed the recommended threshold and there are one or more probable cases of human illness or pet deaths attributable to HABs. This sign will warn people that unsafe toxins are present in the water and to avoid any contact.

Drinking Water Advisory - If microcystin, anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin or saxitoxin is found above drinking water thresholds in the finished water of a public water system, the water system will public notice a drinking water advisory. Depending on the toxin level detected, either a do not drink or do not use warning will be issued. The public water system may end a public notice when algal toxin levels are below the drinking water thresholds in two consecutive samples collected at least 24 hours apart.