Levels of algae in Mahoning Valley lakes pose little threat, officials say

YOUNGSTOWN — Two major local drinking-water suppliers are closely monitoring their water quality here as experts predict a severe toxic-algae outbreak this summer in Lake Erie due to heavy rains that wash algae-feeding phosphorus into the water.

A toxic Lake Erie algae bloom last August made Toledo’s water supply undrinkable for two days.

Jeff LaRue, an Aqua Ohio spokesman, said his company doesn’t expect to have the same problem this summer in its Mahoning Valley lakes.

He added, however, “We’re always on high alert, especially during extended warm weather events. We continually monitor the water quality in our source water,” in conjunction with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Algae growth is difficult to predict, “but we pull samples on a regular basis and do algae counts” monthly in Meander Reservoir and its 18 tributaries, said Anthony Vigorito, chief engineer at the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District.

Testing becomes more frequent if a sample shows a high algae count, he said.

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