Flickr

Nearly 400,000 people in Toledo, Ohio have been told to avoid drinking tap water for the second day in a row.

Toledo officials issued the warning early Saturday after tests at a treatment plant showed readings for microsystin. The city said not to boil the water because that would only increase the toxin’s concentration. The mayor also warned that children should not shower or bathe in the water or be given to pets.

Lines formed at water distribution centers and store shelves were emptied of bottled water. The terrifying warning cut off the water supply to Toledo.

Residents were told not to drink, brush their teeth or wash dishes with the water while they waited hours for deliveries of bottled water from across Ohio as the governor declared a state of emergency.

Gov. John Kasich promised that state agencies were working around the clock to bring water and other supplies to affected areas.

“What’s more important than water? Water’s about life,” Kasich said. “We know it’s difficult. We know it’s frustrating.”