Tt comment aug 6 2015

At this page, you can access the PDF file that contains test results for raw Lake Erie water.

http://toledo.oh.gov/services/public-utilities/water-treatment/microcystin-action-level-data/

Here's a screenshot:

The 1.8 ppb in raw lake water is no biggie. As mentioned before:

The Ohio EPA said it expects tests to be done at least once a week when the concentration in the raw water is 5.0 ppb or less. Above 5.0 ppb, the tests need to be done at least three times a week.

The disputed number, allegedly, is the Tue, Aug 4 number of 0.6 ppb.

Aug 6, 2015 Blade story

Toledo algal toxin tests run Wednesday on a Lake Erie water sample collected the previous day showed a spike not reported by the administration of Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson.

An examination of the analytical printout from the city’s testing machine showed a higher level from a water sample taken Tuesday but not tested until Wednesday — 2.995 ppb.

Obviously, 2.995 ppb is still no big deal in raw lake water. The question is why the difference in the reporting by the city?

A review of the test results suggested the higher level was overlooked, discounted, or ignored.

Chuck Campbell, commissioner of water treatment, said the sample showing 2.995 ppb, which is actually an average of two tests showing 3.125 and 2.865 ppb, was likely taken at the water surface above the city’s water intake crib.

The sample is listed as “raw intk crb,” which stands for raw water acquired at the intake crib. The test paperwork does not indicate a depth at which the sample was taken. Previous tests taken at the surface are indicated as such.

“That would have been a grab over the side of the boat,” Mr. Campbell said. “It is not representative of our drinking water ... since microcystin floats to the top.”

I'm glad that the Blade/Messina is staying vigilant, but this issue appears to be a non-issue. But I hope the Blade continues to hold the city accountable for its confusion. It's possible that the city has not been monitored this closely for so long for anything.

#toledo #water