Greenfield under tap water drinking ban following detection potential toxin

Potential detection of toxic algae caused a tap water drinking ban in Greenfield, Iowa, pending water testing.

Greenfield Municipal Utilities announced the ban via their Facebook page after microcystin — a toxin produced by blue-green algae — was potentially detected in their drinking water. A sample collected Tuesday has been sent to a lab. 

Lake Greenfield, a main source of drinking water for Greenfield Utilities, has been experiencing a harmful algal bloom (HAB), according to a release.

Pending return of a clean sample, Greenfield customers, including pets, are told not to drink the water, even if the water is boiled. People are told to find alternative water for making instant formula and ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. 

Greenfield Utilities said healthy adults can use the water for bathing, washing hands and doing laundry. Children younger than 6 must be closely monitored while bathing to prevent accidental ingestion of water.

A final rinse of uncontaminated water is recommended for people with open wounds or skin conditions such as eczema, according to the release.

Drinking water containing microcystin can result in abnormal liver function, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, numbness or dizziness. Greenfield Utilities warns those with these symptoms to seek medical attention. Animals should be brought to a veterinarian if they show signs of illness. 

Greenfield Municipal Utilities said to call 641-743-2741 with additional questions. More information on harmful algal blooms can be found at https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms.

Toxic algae dangers

• Symptoms: People exposed to microcystin toxins can experience skin rashes, hives or blisters, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever, runny eyes and nose, cough, sore throat and chest pain.
• Treatment: If exposed to toxic blue-green algae, thoroughly wash it off with fresh water. If you or your pet experiences symptoms associated with high microcystin levels after suspected exposure, seek medical or veterinary care immediately.