Blooms of harmful algae in waterways have been more of an inconvenience in our region so far. Generally, the blooms only stop people from swimming and fishing in their favorite spots.
But across the country, the problem is growing. Salem had to renew its water advisory on Wednesday after toxic algae showed up in the city's water supply. Its previous advisory ended just four days earlier.
The calls the spread of harmful algal blooms an epidemic. Oregon has had and inform the public for years now. Craig Cox from EWG visits.
