NCWQR partners on Lake Erie phosphorus study

As it has in the past, the National Center for Water Quality Research has collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Ohio EPA on a study to monitor phosphorus levels in Lake Erie. The recently released Spring 2017 summary shows high levels of phosphorus headed to the lake. The report said the high phosphorus levels continue to be exacerbated by wet weather. The total phosphorus load in the Maumee River was elevated to more than twice the required reduction targets.

This is the fourth year the report has summarized water quality data collected by USGA, the NCWQR, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio EPA.

“This report, which is consistent with testing as far back as the early 2000s, confirms that we haven’t moved the needle to meet our goal of reducing phosphorus by 40 percent by 2025 and we have more work to do,” said Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler. “While there continues to be significant taxpayer and private dollars spent on incentives and voluntary nutrient reduction programs, it is clear the actual water quality monitoring data show that our efforts to improve Lake Erie are not over and we must continue to identify new ways to help reduce phosphorous going to the lake.”