Provides regular tests for the presence of toxins in the City of Toledo's tap water supply. An online dashboard provides up-to-date information about toxin levels to keep the public informed. It includes a scale showing the current status of drinking water quality, according to Ohio EPA guidelines. The website also includes answers to the following frequently-asked questions: Information for the General Public during Harmful Algal Bloom Season (information provided as of 7/31/15 and may be updated or revised) Background - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued Health Advisories for microcystin in May 2015 for populations based primarily on age and a 10-day exposure period. EPA recommends threshold levels at or below 0.3 ppb in drinking water for children pre-school age (age 5) and younger. For school-age children (age 6) through adults, the recommended health advisory levels for drinking water are at or below 1.6 ppb for microcystin. What does this mean - The EPA and Ohio EPA recommend that the public not drink water with microcystin above two threshold levels (0.3/1.6 ppb) depending primarily on age for more than 10 days. How will we know when the threshold is reached - The Ohio EPA and the City of Toledo are working together so that if microcystin is present beyond recommended thresholds the public will be informed by a "Do Not Drink" Advisory. Drinking Water Advisories protect the public from adverse health effects by limiting potential exposure to microcystin. What is the City of Toledo doing to protect the drinking water from algal toxins - --Toledo has put an advance warning system in place for early detection of harmful algal blooms which allows us to adjust water treatment methods. --Toledo has dramatically enhanced its chemical feed capabilities as compared to 2014. --Staff has streamlined operations and communications regarding water quality. --The City of Toledo actively works with the Ohio EPA to ensure the public water supply is safe and operating within new microcystin guidelines. How Can I Prepare for a Do Not Drink Advisory - --Residents should keep a 3- to 7-day supply of bottled water on hand, or 1-2 gallons of water per person per day. --Sign up to receive emergency text alerts through www.lucascountyalerts.com. --Toledo water customers can check the water quality dashboard status of the drinking water at www.toledo.oh.gov , "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive real-time updates. How is the public notified of a Drinking Water Advisory - The public is made aware of the status of its drinking water quality, including, if needed, any Drinking Water Advisories through the Water Quality Dashboard at www.toledo.oh.gov, broadcast media, electronic billboards, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department website, and via the Lucas County Text Alert system. The website also includes answers to the following frequently-asked questions: Information for the General Public during Harmful Algal Bloom Season (information provided as of 7/31/15 and may be updated or revised) Background - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued Health Advisories for microcystin in May 2015 for populations based primarily on age and a 10-day exposure period. EPA recommends threshold levels at or below 0.3 ppb in drinking water for children pre-school age (age 5) and younger. For school-age children (age 6) through adults, the recommended health advisory levels for drinking water are at or below 1.6 ppb for microcystin. What does this mean - The EPA and Ohio EPA recommend that the public not drink water with microcystin above two threshold levels (0.3/1.6 ppb) depending primarily on age for more than 10 days. How will we know when the threshold is reached - The Ohio EPA and the City of Toledo are working together so that if microcystin is present beyond recommended thresholds the public will be informed by a "Do Not Drink" Advisory. Drinking Water Advisories p