By Tom Harrison, The Lima News
An Orange sign — a recreational public health advisory — will be posted at beaches when toxin levels exceed the recommended threshold, warning individuals who are elderly or very young and people with compromised immune systems that swimming or wading is not recommended. The advisory is posted when tests conclude microcystin levels are at least six parts per billion.
•A red sign — a no contact advisory — is to be posted when microcystin levels exceed 20 parts per billion and there are one or more probable cases of human illness or pet deaths attributable to harmful algal blooms. This sign will warn people unsafe toxins are present in the water and to avoid any contact.
