Algae bloom having minor effects on water supply in Carbondale; water still safe for all household uses

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a public notice for drinking water in the City of Carbondale due to low levels of microcystins, which is a blue-green algae toxin. While the levels and water remain acceptable for drinking, food preparation and household uses, KDHE believes it is important to inform residents.

Samples collected by the City of Carbondale reported extremely low levels of a blue-green algae toxin called microcystins in drinking water delivered to consumers. The levels in drinking water are below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 10-day Health Advisory levels of 0.3 micrograms per liter of microcystins for bottle fed infants and children under 6 years old. Your water remains acceptable for drinking, food preparation and all household uses.

Microcystins entered the supply due to blue-green algae blooms occurring in Strowbridge Reservoir, which is the source water for the City of Carbondale’s water supply.

Carbondale Public Water Supply is working with KDHE and will continue to monitor the public water supply. Additional samples will be collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis to confirm the microcystin levels consistently remain below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 10-day Health Advisory level of 0.3 micrograms per liter of microcystins for bottle fed infants and children under 6 years old in drinking water delivered to consumers.

Water systems purchasing water from Carbondale: the city of Scranton and Osage County RWD #5, should be aware of the situation but be assured that their water is acceptable for use, as well.

Additional information can be found at EPA’s website: Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water (https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/harmful-algal-blooms-and-cyanotoxins-drinking-water-factsheets-and)

For consumer questions or concerns, please contact Cathy Tucker-Vogel at (785) 368-7130 or Tom Stiles at (785) 221-0043.