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Toxic on the Lake

By: Christopher Gooden

Ohio is facing ongoing challenges with water pollution due to farmland runoff, industrial waste, sewage, and appearing sludge. These polluted areas contribute to harmful areas, unsafe drinking water, and environmental damages mainly in areas close to Lake Erie. In spite of some progress made, the state continues to struggle with protecting water quality – ensuring clean and safe water for all of us.

OVERVIEW

Water pollution in Ohio is a serious issue, especially in areas near Lake Erie. The biggest problem is our food from farms, which causes harmful red tides that can make our water unsafe to drink and swim in. In 2025, Cleveland ranked 9th worst in the nation for year-round particle pollution, and 50th worst for ozone smog, with an F grade in both categories. Pollution also comes from old sewage systems, factories, and toxic chemicals,that harms fishes, wildlife, and people’s health.

(Association, A. L. (n.d.). New report: Cleveland ranked 9th most polluted area in the U.S. American Lung Association.)

PROBLEM STATEMENT

OBJECTIVES

  • Identify the main source of water pollution in Ohio including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sewage overflows.
  • Raise awareness and suggest improvements to help protect and restore Ohio’s water quality.
  • Explain the effects of water pollution on public health, the environment, and local communities.

WHAT WE LEARNED

PROPOSED SOLUTION

  • To help fight pollution we need several changes in energy production, transportation, and single habitats.

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  • Reducing emission to improving waste, management, and promoting sustainable practices

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  • Reduce farm chemical runoff with healthier forms of GMO processes

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SPECIAL THANKS

  • Most pollution is caused by human activities like industry, transportation, agriculture, and poor waste management.

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  • Pollution isn't just trash or smoke-it's air, water, soil, noise, light, and even plastic pollution.

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  • Pollutants can cause serious health problems in humans (e.g., asthma, cancer) and destroy ecosystems (e.g., killing fish or damaging forests).

SOURCES

https://www.lakescientist.com/toxic-algae-continues-to-defile-water-quality-in-the-buckeye-state/

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https://lakeeriefoundation.org/issues/lake-erie-water-quality/

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https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/articles/entry/satellite-factory-farm-lake-erie-great-lakes-pollution-algae-blooms

lung.org

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https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/lake-erie

Thank you for your investment in our Youth Leaders: City of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University Sears think[box]; DigitalC; RPM International Inc.; CHN Housing Partners; Ratner Family Foundation; Youth Opportunities Unlimited; Cleveland EMS; The Vanguards of Cleveland & Cleveland Fire; Kimberly Inthavong of Seven Ways To Live; Mary Nazimiec; Kevin Ringer; and Tasty Treasures.

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