USGS study says algae toxins in Kansas River

Published July 31, 2012 10:24pm ET



LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Toxins from a large algae bloom in a northeast Kansas reservoir wound up in the Kansas River, a major drinking-water source, but the toxins weren’t present in the water after it had undergone standard treatments, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The study, conducted in September and October 2011, involved testing for algae toxins in samples from along about 170 miles of the Kansas River, from the Milford Reservoir to the Kansas City area. It was prompted by concerns about water releases from Milford Reservoir during a large algae bloom last summer. Releases from the reservoir head into the Kansas River, which provides drinking water for about 800,000 people in eastern Kansas.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.