More farmers joining Ohio water quality program

Farmers in Ohio are increasingly backing a program aimed at protecting Lake Erie and other wetlands from toxic algae blooms (Source: “Farmers increasingly joining Ohio's program to fight toxic slime, protect water supply,” WOSU, April 18) .

The program, H2Ohio, was launched by Gov. Mike DeWine's administration five years ago, after harmful algae blooms started to threaten drinking water supplies, hamper tourism and raise concern about harm to the state's economy. Now the administration is celebrating the program making progress, with a 32% increase in enrolled acres of farmland. H2Ohio reported more than 1.8 million acres enrolled in the program.

Last month, HPIO released a new policy brief titled, Connections between Water Quality and Health. The brief focuses on the importance of clean water and the many effects that water pollution and deteriorating infrastructure can have on health throughout life, highlighting data and information for policymakers to improve Ohio’s water quality.

The Institute will be hosting a 30-minute webinar on the findings of the brief next week, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11 a.m.