West Virginia Lifts Algae Advisory for Ohio River Algae

West Virginia public health officials have lifted an advisory warning of potential risks associated with an algae bloom in the Ohio River and some of its tributaries.

The advisory that ended Tuesday was issued Sept. 4 for public water systems and the public.

The commissioner and state health officer for the Bureau of Public health said the advisory was lifted after “thorough ongoing monitoring and testing” of water along the Ohio River by state and federal officials.

Dr. Rahul Gupta praised local officials and neighboring states for their vigilance.

The toxic algae outbreak was first detected in mid-August. It made its way from Wheeling, and past Cincinnati and Louisville.

Scientists say heavy rains in early summer washed algae-feeding pollutants into the river.