Picture Ohio’s rivers, lakes, and streams being as clean and inviting as those in Copenhagen, Denmark. This transformation could bring significant benefits to both the environment and local communities.
A Glimpse into Copenhagen’s Waterways
In 2022, I attended a friend’s wedding in Denmark and was amazed by the pristine canals in Copenhagen. Biking through the city, I couldn’t help but notice how seamlessly the waterways were integrated into daily life. People gathered along the canal, swimming and enjoying the water.
Remarkably, this canal was once heavily polluted but was transformed through a community-driven cleanup initiative into a safe, swimmable space.
The Potential for Ohio’s Waterways
Ohio’s waterways are among its most valuable assets. Historically, the state had one of the world’s most extensive canal systems, essential for transportation before the railways. Today, the counties along Lake Erie play a crucial role in Ohio’s tourism industry, highlighting the ongoing importance of these waterways.
Current Efforts to Improve Water Quality
Ohio is already taking steps to improve water quality. The H2Ohio program aims to reduce fertilizer runoff, and Ohio State University recently received $4.9 million for water quality initiatives.
Despite these efforts, Ohio’s water quality remains poor according to objective measures. At a recent meeting, an Ohio EPA analyst argued that Ohio’s poor ranking is due to more extensive testing rather than actual poor quality, but no supporting data was provided.
Envisioning a Future with Cleaner Water
Improving Ohio’s water quality could have transformative effects. Cleaner rivers, lakes, and streams would create safer environments for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Rural areas, in particular, could see economic benefits as cleaner waterways attract more tourists and boost local economies. Ecological diversity would also improve, making ecosystems more resilient in the face of climate change.
The Broader Benefits of Clean Water
Clean water benefits everyone. Improved water quality supports a diverse range of plant and animal life, creating healthier ecosystems. These resilient ecosystems can better withstand environmental changes, benefiting not just wildlife but also the people who live in these areas.
Conclusion
Cleaner waterways in Ohio could lead to a brighter future for the state. The potential for enhanced recreation, stronger local economies, and more resilient ecosystems makes the pursuit of cleaner rivers, lakes, and streams a worthwhile goal.
By taking inspiration from places like Copenhagen, Ohio can work towards a future where its waterways are not only safe but also a cherished part of daily life.