Officials Re-Test Lake Michigan Water Supply After Toledo Water Issue

It is not clear if the water problems affecting Lake Erie and Toledo could eventually impact Chicago and Lake Michigan

City officials are re-testing the Lake Michigan water supply after Saturday’s declaration that the Toledo, Ohio water supply from Lake Erie is unsafe to drink.

The Chicago Department of Water Management spokesperson Gary Litherland said the water is being re-tested as a precaution after the officials detected a toxin in the Toledo water supply.

Ohio Governor John Kasich declared a state of emergency for Wood and Lucas counties due to the contaminated water, according to a statement from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Chemists at a Toledo water treatment plant recorded readings of microcystin, a highly toxic substance, according to an advisory released by the city.

Chicago’s tests have not seen an increase in the toxin in the past two years, and officials conduct a test for “the full spectrum” of algae components 2-3 times a week, Litherland said.

Litherland said Chicago’s public tap “is completely safe.”

The test is expected to be conducted Sunday, but results likely won't be available until Monday.

It is not clear if the water problems affecting Lake Erie and Toledo could eventually impact Chicago and Lake Michigan.

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