Toledo Now Deems Water Too Dangerous for Showers

Toledo's water, which was yesterday deemed unsafe for drinking or washing dishes, just got a scary downgrade: Health officials last night reversed their initial position that city water was safe enough for showering, and are now advising those with sensitive skin or liver disease to avoid bathing in it, reports CBS. Children should also avoid bathing in the water, which is believed to be contaminated by a "harmful algal bloom" in Lake Erie. "What's more important than water? Water's about life," said Ohio Gov. John Kasich. "We know it's difficult. We know it's frustrating."

And there's no end in sight to that frustration: With some 400,000 affected residents having emptied store shelves of bottled water and state workers rushing to bring in more, Kasich refused to speculate on how long the water advisory will last. "When it comes to this water, we've got be very careful," he said. The news has other cities nervous, and the Chicago Tribune reports that the Windy City is testing its own water as an "extra precaution," though that supply is derived from Lake Michigan. Results are expected in one or two days. Click for more on Toledo's advisory. (More water stories.)