Concerns over water quality took center stage at the recent Summit County Eastern Planning Commission meeting, where experts highlighted the urgent need for action against blue-green algae and phosphorus pollution in local waterways.

During the meeting, a speaker emphasized that the region is facing an "oxygen depleted state" in its water bodies, primarily due to stagnant water and rising temperatures. He warned that without proper management, the situation could worsen, leading to significant ecological and financial repercussions. "The financial responsibility of cleaning up this water is ours," he stated, urging local governments and businesses to take immediate action to mitigate pollution.

The discussion focused on the importance of implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices, which aim to manage stormwater effectively and reduce nutrient runoff. The speaker criticized current practices, such as large detention basins, which he argued do not adequately address water quality issues. Instead, he advocated for simpler, more effective solutions like disconnecting downspouts and creating bio-retention areas to allow for natural infiltration of water.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by historical examples, including the costly fines faced by local municipalities for failing to meet federal water quality standards. "We are all going to write checks for this, and we need to do it now," he warned, stressing that proactive measures are essential to avoid future financial burdens.

As the meeting concluded, the call to action was clear: Summit County must prioritize the protection of its riparian areas and adopt innovative water management strategies to safeguard its natural resources for future generations.