The Toledo, Ohio community has received a startling warning from state officials with regard to the local drinking water, which has been deemed unsafe for human consumption until further notice.

The warning came early Saturday following a series of tests on Lake Erie. The testing revealed the presence of a toxic substance. It’s believed the toxin was caused by the presence of a certain type of algae. The green algae bloom is so massive, it can be seen from space.

Toledo boasts a population of 280,000 people. As Ohio’s fourth largest city, the reality of tainted water has left citizens in a serious bind.

It’s believed that nearly 500,000 residents living in Toledo and the surrounding area have been affected by the water crisis.

Governor John Kasich called upon Ohio’s National Guard members to supply food, water, and water purification tools to the affected population within the state.

Great to see so many Ohioans helping out with water for Toledo. pic.twitter.com/NeXf5LdlbO

— Mike DeWine (@mikedewine8) August 3, 2014

Locals have also bought up much of the available bottled water in local groceries stores.

Citizens will just have to make do until such time as the area’s drinking water becomes safe again. Kasich has said that it’s simply too early to say exactly when that will be.

The problem has forced the closure of area restaurants and even the shutting down of the Toledo Zoo.

Toledo Zoo: open today until 5pm. Flamingos off exhibit as precaution due to #watercrisis. No animals ill. Zoo restaurants closed today.

— WTVG 13abc (@13abc) August 3, 2014

Officials from the state’s Environmental Protection Agency are expected to conduct further tests in order to identify the origin of toxins within the water.

They will also be responsible for determining when the drinking water is once again safe for consumption and just how long citizens are expected to avoid the local water.

'Water’s about life.' And for another day in Toledo, toxins are making it undrinkable. http://t.co/0DbPCkVs89 pic.twitter.com/prUiv8McrI

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) August 3, 2014

Those who do consume the tainted water could experience horrible side-effects, including vomiting and diarrhea.

The water crisis in Toledo, Ohio has worried nearby major cities. As a precaution, officials in Chicago, Ill. are having Lake Michigan tested.

Toledo water is not potable: Toxins discovered in Lake Erie http://t.co/Rd3y9yOAOS via @YiannCh pic.twitter.com/1wpGta5O8J

— Ioannis Chaidoulis (@YiannCh) August 3, 2014

Spokeswoman Shannon Breymaier stated that it should be a couple of days before the Lake Michigan test results come back.

Image via Wikimedia Commons