Health advisory lifted for Ohio River as algae drops
WHEELING, W.Va. – Health officials lifted an advisory for the Ohio River in the Wheeling area following a decline in algae levels.
Local health officials had urged residents to use caution during recreational water activities after water tests Wednesday showed elevated levels of blue-green algae at the Pike Island Lock and Dam. Wheeling also closed its water intake.
Multiple media outlets report that Wheeling reopened its water intake Saturday and health officials lifted the advisory for most of the affected areas.
A water conservation order remains in effect for all of Ohio County.
The health department said the Wheeling Water Department is blending water from the river with well water as a precaution.
Exposure to blue-green algae can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness or difficulty breathing.