Ohio has been so effective in monitoring its waterways using invertebrates and fishes, that it has essentially identified all major point sources of pollution. Through legislation, fines and incentives, Ohio has eliminated, or is in the process of eliminating, most of these point sources of pollution. As a result, Ohio's waters are in much better shape today environmentally than they were in 1969.
Winter Wheat - Agriculture as a source of non-point pollutants
Photo: David R. Anderson
On the other hand, as point sources of pollution were removed, non-point sources of pollution began to increase - agricultural and residential runoff from fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides - and more recently sediments from construction of new homes in what once were rural landscapes. Our penchant for country living is polluting our waterways again because individuals, not industry, are no longer paying attention to how we personally impact the environment. Even if we try to decrease runoff from our country homes, the truth is that in a population that is declining in Northeast Ohio, we don't need these new homes anyway.
A "Rural" Subdivision
Photo: David R. Anderson
In fact the impact on rivers is not just the home - it is all the infrastructure that is needed to maintain those communities - water, sewer, roads, schools, shops and more - all having an impact on waterways when our central cities have these resources that are not being used. Because water flows downhill, we can not just pay attention to the rivers themselves. Water quality in rivers is affected by all waters that eventually flow into a river. In other words, to really monitor water quality, we also need to monitor the wetlands, gullies, and uplands of all landscapes. We need to develop ways of monitoring our own landscapes even if we live in cities, suburbs, or rural communities - especially if we are the cause of new pollution from new construction. Our homes and apartments as well as our schools and workplaces are the ultimate factors that determine the quality of all aquatic systems. We can't pass off pollution as something due primarily to industry in Ohio, even if industry is still a factor.
Dennis J. Taylor
taylordj at hiram.edu
last updated 28 November 2007
Banner Photo: Chris Carman