Download `Know Before You Go`- state increases awareness about harmful

‘Know Before You Go’- state increases awareness about
harmful algal blooms
To help you make plans to enjoy Ohio’s recreational waters this summer, the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and the departments of Health and Natural
Resources recently outlined a new strategy to increase awareness before entering the water.
According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the new strategy will be quicker in issuing
public health advisories by basing those alerts solely on the levels of harmful algal bloom toxins,
such as microcystin. Advisories were previously declared only following documented health
issues thought to be caused by algal toxins. More information on harmful algal blooms and algal
toxins can be found at www.ohioalgaeinfo.com.
In addition to faster public warnings, the state will rely on BeachGuard, an ODH website to
provide a roundup of ongoing advisories and other pertinent data to “know before you go.”
BeachGuard lists any recreational public health advisories and water quality data for some
toxins and E. coli bacteria for Ohio state park lake beaches and boat ramps as well as
participating non-state public and private beaches. Another key component of the new
awareness effort is a revamped signage system. Read more…