CLEVELAND, OH — Nearly 1.4 million customers are part of the more than 12 million people relying on Lake Erie as their source of drinking water. Clean water is a critical part of the community for survival and to a thriving region.
It is Cleveland Water's mission to become an environmental steward of Lake Erie. They want to keep the water source clean to provide affordable, fresh tap water to homes.
The health of Lake Erie is affected by the large rivers and smaller tributaries that drain water from the surrounding land to its shore.
All rainfall and snowmelt in the Lake Erie watershed are channeled into the soil, groundwater, creeks, rivers, sewers, and into Lake Erie. That said, any water from the property or anything it carries with it travels to storm drains and waterways and eventually to the lake.
The health of the water source and its watershed are highly impacted by every person’s actions at home, at work, and in communities. 80% of trash in Lake Erie comes from the land and any pollutant being carried will affect the lake’s water quality and ecosystem.
The Cleveland Water offers these simple tips we can do to help protect the local watersheds and Lake Erie:
1. Install a rain barrel to collect and reuse water runoff. This will eventually reduce the water bill and help minimize stormwater runoff.
2. Debris collected on Lake Erie beaches is mostly plastic. Help our environment by reducing single-use, disposable plastics. Replace everyday items with reusable ones—like grocery bags and to-go utensils.
3. Pick up every litter and debris in the yard and community, including pet waste. By doing so, we are helping the trash not to get in the way of local waterways and Lake Erie.
4. Use pesticides and fertilizers carefully and sparingly,
5. Dispose of hazardous household chemicals and medications properly.
6. Landscape with native plants and trees. They are adapted to the Ohio climate, so they're good for local wildlife, easier to maintain, and cost less.
7. Plant trees, grass, and shrubs to prevent soil erosion and reduce impermeable surfaces.
8. Get involved with local watershed groups and other organizations dedicated to protecting the environment.
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