Associated Press Published

Wheeling and Ohio County Water Conservation Order Lifted

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Residents and businesses in Ohio County and Wheeling can resume normal water usage following the dissipation of algae in the Ohio River.

Authorities on Sunday lifted a water conservation order issued last week.

The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register reports that the order was prompted by high levels of blue-green algae near the Wheeling water system’s river intakes. The city closed the intakes and used water from wells until the algae dissipated.

Water department superintendent David Nickerson tells the newspaper that no algae have been detected in river water coming through the intakes. But he says local officials will continue monitoring for the presence of algae in the water.

Residents are advised to use caution when swimming or engaging in other recreational activities in the river.