More testing ordered for Wilsonville tap water

WILSONVILLE, Ore. (AP) – A test of treated water in Wilsonville has found elevated levels of microcystin, a cyanotoxin produced by blue-green algae blooms similar to what was found recently in Salem’s drinking water.

The Statesman Journal reports that officials in the city south of Portland learned of the result Thursday and has sent additional samples to a lab in Seattle for more thorough testing. The results are expected Monday, after which the city will determine whether an advisory will be issued based on federal guidelines.

The test found microcystin concentration at 0.34 micorgrams per liter, slightly over the EPA’s advisory level for young children and some adults 0.3 micrograms per liter.

The city says they have adjusted ozone levels to further reduce microorganisms that may be present while they await test results.

Meanwhile a water alert remains in effect for the Salem area. The National Guard is handing out free water to residents who can’t drink tap water contaminated by an algae bloom. Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that alert could be lifted this weekend.