Maybe you're not familiar with the word "microcystin," but there's a good chance you recognize the term "harmful algae bloom," an increasingly frequent event in bodies of water. Many of the more toxic outbreaks are actually bacteria that release microcystin, and they are showing up with increasing frequency around the country.
Salem, Oregon's capital city, had an outbreak last year in its water supply, and had to warn some water users not to drink from the tap. The city will spend millions of dollars to protect its water from microcystin and other toxins, and it won't be alone.
The Environmental Working Group tracks how widespread the microcystin outbreaks are in a recent report. EWG's Soren Rundquist and Anne Weir Schechinger visit with details.
Links: Oregon's Harmful Algae Bloom warnings.
California's Harmful Algae Bloom portal.