How healthy are our local waterways and what’s being done to protect them? Ismail Turay Jr.
Runoffs carrying contaminants from agricultural and urban development throughout Southwest Ohio are flowing into the region’s waterways, and experts say that threatens the aquatic ecosystem, drinking water, human life and infrastructure.
The problem will hit taxpayers and property owners in the pocketbooks to the tune of millions of dollars if more is not done to reduce those storm water runoffs, experts say.
“One way or another, we’re going to pay for having unhealthy streams, because if you show me an area where the streams are not doing well, then I’m going to show you an area that has probably a lot of bank erosion problems, or possibly having to deal with going in and fixing roads that are washing out and people’s backyards eroding,” said hydrologist Mike Ekberg, manager for water resource monitoring and analysis at the Miami Conservancy District.
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Experts: Test for these toxins regularly if your drinking water comes from a well Ismail Turay Jr.
Most water from the region’s large underground aquifer is safe to drink untreated, but homeowners might not always be aware of all the potential contaminants, including “forever chemicals” that do not have a color, taste or smell.
Such was the case recently in Butler Twp., Montgomery County, when Earl Moyer and some of his neighbors said they learned about the chemicals known as PFAS for the first time after high levels were detected at nearby Aullwood Audubon Farm Discovery Center in October. Health officials sent letters to 180 homeowners nearby, urging them to test their wells for PFAS.
Organizations, individuals join forces for Little Miami River conservation thepostathens.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thepostathens.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.