Continued Interest in Reducing Nutrient Loading in Ohio Waterways

Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy

Lake Erie covers almost 10,000 square miles and serves as a source of pride for the State of Ohio. Acting as the north coast of Ohio, this lake is a natural landmark known throughout North America and beyond. Keeping the water in the lake potable and healthy is an important task that all Ohioans should be a part of.

Lake Erie is a major source of tourism in the state with activities such as boating, fishing, bird watching and site seeing. The impact of the lake on the water supply is sometimes overlooked—but the lake provides 2.6 million people with drinking water.

In west central Ohio, we have been aware of concerns over our natural waterways for several years because of Grand Lake St. Marys. Our farmers are working together to reduce their impact on Ohio waterways. By constructing proper storage facilities for manure and increasing exports of manure, when possible, local farmers are making strides forward to reduce the impact of agriculture on water quality.

Along the lake, I am hearing about business owners changing their practices as well. Each step taken to reduce phosphorous loading is bringing us closer to a healthier lake long term. Following the recent water crisis in Toledo, those in the Lake Erie watershed are looking to west central Ohio for proven practices that have successfully reduced runoff.

As recently as June 2014, Governor Kasich signed Senate Bill 150, which will lead to more opportunities for those in the agricultural community to remain educated on the latest practices that will reduce the overloading of nutrients on Ohio’s farm land.


When 400,000 people were temporarily left without drinking water in the Toledo area, the Governor dove right in and asked his cabinet to work on solutions. As a result of their ongoing work, Ohio farmers will be the recipients of $1.25 million to mitigate future water quality issues by planting cover crops or installing controlled drainage devices that protect against nutrient runoff.

Additionally, $150 million in zero-interest loans is being made available to local water plants to upgrade their local drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce any negative impacts outdated systems may be having on Ohio’s waterways.

Lastly, $2 million will be made available to Ohio universities for further research on algae blooms. There is much work to be done in the research arena to determine causes and study solutions to water quality issues.

I will continue working with the Governor, state agencies, and local officials to find ways to reduce nutrient loading in Ohio waterways and improve the quality of water in Ohio. We are so fortunate to have many people willing to help in this process and I appreciate everyone’s continued efforts.

Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyoctober2014.