Oregon to require water testing for cyanotoxins

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Health Authority is preparing to start requiring routine testing of water sources for toxins after contaminated water was discovered in Salem.

The Statesman Journal reported Tuesday that the new rules will be stricter than current federal guidelines.

The plan comes after toxins were discovered in Salem’s drinking water. The amount of cyanotoxins in the water was high enough to potentially harm children under 6 years old and some adults with compromised immune systems.

While testing for cyanotoxins has not previously been required in Oregon, Salem officials do test for the toxins.

State health officials hope to install temporary rules by the end of the month that will require local officials to notify the public of test results.

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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com