Residents cleared to use water again in Toledo, Ohio

World Today

The all clear has been given to drink the water in Toledo, Ohio. City officials made the announcement Monday morning after a weekend where residents were told to stay away from the water.

Nearly half a million people in Toledo, Ohio woke up Monday still without water but by mid-morning the taps were back on. Monday was the third day of the crisis that started Saturday after city officials detected a toxin in the water supply and warned residents not to use the tap for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Residents quickly emptied store shelves of bottled water and water distribution sites were opened throughout the area. Ohio’s governor declared a state of emergency. The National Guard was called in to begin providing tens of thousands of gallons of water.

Researchers say a problem started when sewage from treatment plants and fertilizer from farms streamed into Lake Erie, triggering an algae bloom near an intake valve that sends water to Toledo and more than a dozen surrounding communities. Chris Clackum reports.

Toxic water cleared up in Ohio

The “All-Clear” has been given to drink the water in Toledo, Ohio. City officials made the announcement this morning after a weekend where residents were told to stay away from the water.