Not all blue-green algae contains toxins, but people who come into contact with the toxins can get skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.

Microcystin is caused by toxic algae that has been blooming in greater amounts in the lake over the last several years. It was so bad, the Governor of Ohio declared a state of emergency.

“Be mindful of it, as I always say: If the water’s green, then don’t go in it”. Its not a surprise, given the rains that we had in June.”.

Researcher said that drinking water of the region as of now is safe, but acres of spreading green muck has been floating around Toledo’s water intake pipe on Lake Erie.

Water in park restrooms and shelters is not affected by lake water. “(That) is equal to about one-half a blade of grass in a football field”. Long-term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys.

Meanwhile, Michigan Agri-Business Association President Jim Byrum and Michigan League of Conservation Voters Deputy Director Jack Schmittin announced a joint appeal Tuesday for concerted action to block the algae.

Stormwater runoff can carry fertilizers from nearby farms into the lake, helping to fuel the algae blooms.

The city’s water supply was deemed undrinkable August. 2-4 last year when the toxin contaminated the water at the treatment plant. The World Health Organization follows stricter guidelines, as does Ohio.

As per experts, so far Toledo has not experienced any problems this summer with microcystis algae, which produces a toxin called microcystin that reached alarming levels.