Illinois Officials Confirm Toxic Bloom on Portions of the Illinois River

OTTAWA – Officials have confirmed the presence of an algal toxin at potentially dangerous levels in the Illinois River.   
In tests taken in Hennepin and Marseilles the presence of mycrocystin above the 4 parts per billion level was found, higher than  the health advisory established by U.S. EPA. 
Sampling was also done at Illinois American Water-Peoria, the only public water supply using the Illinois River as a water source, which showed toxins are below the detection limit in finished water samples.  Officials advise avoiding coming into contact with the water.
Algal toxins sometimes produced by blue-green algae can cause sickness or other adverse health effects in people and pets, depending on the amount and type of exposure. 
Symptoms of exposure include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing or wheezing. More severe symptoms may result from longer or greater amounts of exposure.
Blue-green algae are often present in Illinois lakes and rivers in small or moderate amounts, but can grow and proliferate quickly in warm, fresh water that is rich with nutrients.