Harmful algae slowly becoming visible in Lake Erie's western basin

(WTVG)
Published: Jul. 15, 2019 at 10:09 PM EDT
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On the surface it's hard to spot, but at closer look you can see the algae that's forming in Lake Erie

"It looks like ground up toilet paper, ground up paper that's in the water," Don McGee, owner of 'King and Eye' fishing charters, said.

McGee says up until Monday the lake's waters have been relatively clear.

"A week ago we really didn't have any issues with this, but now we do," McGee said.

The latest update from NOAA scientists shows medium-high levels of harmful algae in the lake's western basin. The current bloom extends 13 miles north and runs 15 miles east along Ohio's coast.

"It's going to get to the point, I believe, to what'll look like paint on top of the water," McGee said.

Scientists expect this year's bloom to be a 7.5 out of 10, making it larger than last year's. They say heavy spring rains and hot summer days are fueling their predictions, and that has charters like McGee's worried about work.

"If you just tell somebody, 'Hey, the algae is here,' and they have an option to [go on the water] or not to they probably will opt not to," McGee said.

The latest algae update also has the attention of the city of Toledo. Despite warnings for a big bloom leaders said Monday that the water is safe and toxin levels aren't high enough for daily testing.

A statement to 13abc reads in part: "Hundreds of water quality tests are performed …" daily at the water treatment plant, and chemists work "around the clock to ensure our drinking water meets or exceeds all water quality standards."

Back on the lake, McGee also does his own water tests and supplies them to the state. While he hasn't detected toxins yet McGee says it will only be a matter of time as he gears up for another algae-filled summer on the lake.

"This is just the beginning," McGee said. "It's not the peak."

Again, recent test results show Toledo's tap water is safe to drink and use. City leaders recommend you always check the

for the latest information.

NOAA scientists recommend, however, that you and your pets stay out of water where scum is forming.