Algal bloom in Ohio River posing health risk, growing larger

For anyone looking at portions of the Ohio River, the cloudy green-blue colors in the water are not a trick of the light; the algal bloom in the river has gotten bigger.

The health risks surrounding an algal bloom are significant, according to Greg Kesterman, assistant health commissioner with Hamilton County Public Health. He indicated it can make people and pets sick.

Kesterman said that while the algae can’t infiltrate drinking water sources, the algae should still be taken seriously.

“Cincinnati Water Works is monitoring the situation and they test daily to make sure they’re not having any impact to the drinking water,” he said.

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Hamilton Public Health officials said the bacteria in the algae can make people and animals sick if they swim in it, drink from the river or get water on them while doing recreational activities like fishing.

The algal bloom thrived in the record-breaking high temperatures with a lack of rain.

“Hot, dry summers certainly see higher incidences of the algae,” Kesterman said.

As cooler weather and rain rolls in, however, the algae will be unable to survive for long.

Source: WCPO

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