Tag: toxic algae

Mattoon invests in algaecide, new water pump to prevent future water emergencies

The city of Mattoon will be spending around $300,000 to prevent harmful algal blooms like the one that tainted its drinking water a month ago.

Testing the waters: How groups monitor toxic algae in the absence of state testing

Blue-green algae appears in lakes all over the Midwest during the summers and can make both people and animals ill. Few states have routine testing programs to check for the toxic algae, but some local and volunteer groups are stepping in to fill that gap. LAKE WAWASEE, Ind. — Living on Lake Wawasee, Cindy Peterson

This Midwest family lost their dog to toxic algae. So why aren’t states doing more testing?

CENTRALIA, Ill. — It was supposed to be a fun weekend getaway to celebrate Mandi Miller’s 30th birthday. She and her husband, Austin Elkins, chose an Airbnb on Lake Centralia in Illinois that was dog-friendly, a must for the suburban St. Louis couple. Just moments after arriving on an unseasonably warm September day, their beloved