Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/tag/water-quality/page/13/)
This tag is further segmented with tags for pharmaceuticals, plastics, sewage, algae
Ohio’s new fertilizer certification law may be a step toward better management of algae threats to drinking water. But critics say its voluntary nature, delayed implementation and failure to address manure are significant flaws.
Let’s focus on critical thinking of the Toledo water crisis and challenge a few assumptions.
Karen Schaefer, an independent public radio journalist based in Ohio who has been covering algae blooms in Lake Erie for years, reported on the recent Toledo water crisis for Great Lakes Echo. Here she gives deeper background on the development of the threat posed by algae and what may lie ahead. Additional stories here. This report first appeared on WKAR’s Current State public affairs program and is produced as a partnership with Great Lakes Echo.
The Great Lakes region and the rest of nation face more fertilizer-fueled algae attacks on water quality.
Commentary
Toledo citizens were without water this past weekend as life-threatening toxins caused by harmful algae far surpassed safe levels. That’s 400,000 people left to scramble for water wherever they could find it. Ohio declared a state of emergency and it was one of those all hands on deck situations. Toledo without water because of toxic algae? We shouldn’t be surprised.
These are tough times for water. And we’re still in our infancy when dealing with it in the Great Lakes.
Deer Lake in Ishpeming, Mich., classified as a major international toxic hot spot since 1987, may get a clean bill of health this year after decades of costly cleanup.
Researchers aboard a converted fishing boat are trawling the Great Lakes for plastic.
The amount of harmful algae forecast for Lake Erie is likely to be significant, coating parts of the western basin in toxic green slime. Even moderate blooms can threaten drinking water.
Islands and shoreline are at risk in both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.