News of the contaminated water touched off a shopping frenzy at area stores for bottled water and bags of ice. Shelves were emptied of bottles and other water supplies, as residents prepared for the worse.
Gov. John Kasich declared a state of emergency and deployed the resources of the National Guard to get water to the area, according to WTOL-TV in Toledo.
"First and foremost, residents must remain calm," Toledo Mayor Michael Collins said at a morning press conference.
Toledo officials issued the warning early Saturday after tests at the city's Collins Park Water Treatment Plant showed two sample readings for microcystin above the standard for consumption. The plant provides treatment services to an area of approximately 400,000 people across 100 square miles, according to the Toledo Blade.
Officials said the water is not for drinking or cooking but healthy adults could still use the water for bathing. They warned children not to bathe or swim in it, as they might drink the water accidentally. Residents were warned not to boil the water because it will only increase the toxin's concentration. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach.
Getty Images/iStockphoto The city of Toledo and thousands of Ohioans who get their water from the city are under a ‘do not drink’ order.http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/02/toledo-ohio-water/13505697/
Boiling the water will only make the toxins worse.
.nydailynews.com/news/national/toledo
Below is a list of the areas affected:
ALL of Lucas County
Toledo
Bedford
Walbridge
Northwood
Troy Township
Perrysburg
Rossford
Walbridge
Lake TWP
Maumee
Sylvania
Perrysburg
Perrysburg TWP
Ottawa Hills
Erie TWP
Village of Metamora
Eastern Swan Creek TWP
Village of Whitehouse
Luna Pier
Eire Township
Bedford Township
LaSalle
Springfield TWP
Waterville
South County Water Customers – Michigan
