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Peaking Algae Season Could Mean More Contaminated Water Supplies

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The worry over another water emergency along Lake Erie is far from over.That's because the algae that left behind toxins contaminating the drinking water of 400,000 people in the Toledo area isn't supposed to peak until September. Water plant operators and residents who get their water from the western end of Lake Erie will be holding their breath over the next few months. The chances of more trouble will depend a lot the winds, rains and temperatures that determine how large the algae grow and where it ends up. It's still not clear what role the algae-induced toxin played in fouling the water supply for the city of Toledo beginning Saturday. Investigators also are looking at the city's aging water supply system and how it operates.

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