Water Quality

Protection of our rivers, streams, and groundwater are priority concerns for Miami Valley residents and communities.

The return of fish, birds and other wildlife to our streams and rivers is a welcome sign of improving habitat and water quality. The removal of low head dams which damage stream function and habitat, and their replacement with paddling structures or simply open stream flow shows us that people, too, are returning to our rivers for recreation and enhanced quality of life. New issues and concerns have appeared. Our region is averaging five more inches of precipitation per year than it did 30 years ago. Stronger storms, heavier rainfalls, increased storm water runoff, urban flooding and destructive erosion are becoming more common. 

What Communities can do

While considering approaches that fit the community and address local issues, it is important to remember that we all live downstream. Therefore, it is important to have an integrated, yet flexible, regional planning approach to watershed management.

  • Distribute water quality tips to residents and businesses. Educational resources are available from a number of local organizations, including the county Soil & Water Conservation Districts, County Health Districts, and the Miami Conservancy District.
  • Promote rain barrel workshops offered by county Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
  • Educate the public on the value of clean and safe drinking water through media and events.
  • Collaborate to teach water conservation and stewardship in schools.
  • Promote tap water over bottled water to the community via events, newsletters, pay stubs, etc.
  • Educate the public on proper prescription and drug disposal to reduce contamination of water sources. See Solid Waste chapter for more information.
  • Support your county Solid Waste District’s litter prevention projects and programs through participation and volunteer recruitment – see Solid Waste chapter for more information.

  • Comply with the Ohio EPA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements. Municipalities in the urbanized area must adopt a storm water management plan that details best management practices for six minimum control measures:
     
    • public education and outreach
    • public participation and involvement
    • illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE)
    • construction site runoff control
    • post-construction runoff control
    • pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations
  • Set a good example by following these guidelines for municipal landscaping, used motor oil, street sweeping, salt storage and application, vehicle washing, spill clean-up, and catch basin maintenance.
  • Eliminate irrigation with potable water to the greatest extent possible. Strategies include replacing water-intensive plantings (turf grass) with native plants, potentially creating pollinator habitat; xeriscaping; and/or using reclaimed or harvested water for irrigation.
  • Implement a policy of using low- or no-flow plumbing fixtures in municipal buildings. Require the use of WaterSense labeled fixtures and equipment whenever applicable.
  • Label storm drains to indicate the destination of the water being discharged, in order to discourage dumping of pollutants.
  • Install green infrastructure on municipal property (such as rain gardens, bioswales, bio-infiltration basins, or pervious pavement) to reduce storm water runoff.
  • Develop a Municipal Tree program — see Trees, Native Species & Land Management chapter.
  • Explore opportunities to add a Green Roof to community-owned buildings.

  • Model ordinances/regulations to protect streams and manage storm water — In recent years, local water quality experts have given a lot of thought to the essential regulatory tools a community needs to protect water quality, public health, and safety. A recommended suite of model ordinances/regulations has been developed with local and state agencies. There are models for:
     
    • Conservation development
    • Erosion and sediment control
    • Flood damage reduction
    • Illicit discharge detection and elimination
    • Off-street parking
    • Riparian setbacks
    • Storm water management
    • Wetland setback
    • Native plantings and landscaping
    • Rainwater harvesting
  • Perform a comprehensive review of ordinances and policies, as they relate to water resources. The Miami Conservancy District (MCD) can guide your community through the Better Site Design Roundtable planning process.
  • Green infrastructure incentives — Provide incentives for private property owners to install green infrastructure (such as rain gardens, bioswales, bio-infiltration basins, or pervious pavement) to reduce storm water runoff.
  • Green streets — Require green infrastructure for storm water management to be included when maintaining city rights-of-way. U.S. EPA’s complete and green streets program provides guidance.
  • Downspout disconnection — Allow homeowners to disconnect downspouts and/or install rain barrels. Chagrin River Watershed Partners can supply guidance about the requirements for doing this safely. The City of Parma has model language (see Chapter 2309).
  • Inventory and inspect home septic systems in your community. Work with your Public Health District to educate septic system owners on proper maintenance.
  • Tree protection — See Trees, Native Species & Land Management chapter.
  • Pesticide ban — More cities and institutions are stopping the use of chemical pesticides for lawn care purposes, especially in locations where children play. Here are the ordinances of Cuyahoga County.
  • Ban use of plastic bags.
  • Regulate or incentivize water efficiency for municipal water customers managing large landscaped areas.
  • An excellent checklist of recommended codes and policies related to watershed protection has been developed by the Ohio Balanced Growth Program.

Just as watersheds cross municipal boundaries, many of the actions to protect and restore water quality must occur at a regional scale. Communities can work collaboratively to support initiatives such as: