Ironman organizers keeping an eye on harmful algae in Ohio River

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Ironman Triathlon is less than two weeks away, and there's still harmful algae in the Ohio River.

On Oct. 11, more than 3,000 athletes will hit the water for the first leg of the race. It's an event that brings nearly 10,000 people to the Louisville area.

In the middle of the excitement, there's concern regarding harmful algae in the Ohio.

"We're seeing the blooms all the way from West Virginia, almost all the way to Paducah, so it's taken the entire Ohio River," said Louisville Water Company scientist Roger Tucker.

For weeks, scientists with the Louisville Water Company have been testing and treating the water. While your drinking water is safe, there is concern for people swimming in the water. It can make you sick if you swallow the blue-green algae, and a recreational advisory was recently issued.

Ironman organizers are keeping an eye on the situation.

"They are working very closely with the Kentucky Division of Water and other agencies to monitor the situation and they'll make a decision the week of the event," said Karl Schmitt, President and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission.

This is the first year algae has been a concern for the Ironman. Usually, it's the hot temperatures that have officials worried.

"One of the reasons that we worked with the Ironman to move this event from August to October was because of the heat. We've had seven Ironman in Louisville. Five times it's been above 92 degrees," said Schmitt.

A paddling event scheduled this weekend on the Ohio River has already been pushed back due to algae concerns.

Now officials with the Division of Water are waiting to see if rainy weather will move it out in time for Ironman.

Scientists say rain will help move the algae from the area.

"We're hoping it's gonna help. We're just gonna have to wait and see. It will be a couple days until we know that," said Tucker.

Officials with the Division of Water continue to meet with Ironman organizers to update them about the algae in the water.

Eric Atnip, the race director for Ironman Louisville, issued this statement to WDRB:

"We are aware of the advisory and have been in contact with local and state agencies. With just under two weeks until race day, we will continue to monitor and assess contingency options should the water quality dictate a change," Atnip wrote to WDRB.