// Risk Intelligence
| Risk Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Facility Type | 💧 Water Treatment Facility |
| Operator / Branch | City of Toledo Division of Water Treatment |
| Host County | Lucas County OH |
| Nearest City | Washington DC |
| Primary Risk Radius | 5 miles |
| Secondary Risk Radius | 20 miles |
// Strategic Significance
The Toledo Ohio water treatment plant draws water from Lake Erie and became nationally known in August 2014 when a harmful algal bloom produced microcystin toxins that contaminated the water supply for 500,000 residents for three days. The Do Not Use order was the largest algal bloom-related water emergency in US history. Lake Erie continues to experience harmful algal blooms fueled by agricultural runoff from Ohio and Michigan farms. Toledo also faces PFAS contamination challenges from industrial sources upstream.
// Civilian Impact Assessment
Lucas County with 430,000 residents. The 2014 algal bloom Do Not Use order affected 500,000 people for three days in the largest such emergency in US history. Lake Erie harmful algal blooms are worsening due to agricultural runoff. PFAS contamination from upstream industrial sources creates additional challenges.
// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance
I-75, I-280, Lake Erie, Maumee River. Lucas County Emergency Management coordinates algal bloom PFAS cyberattack and water emergency protocols.