LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Since its inception, H2Ohio has been making a significant difference in improving Ohio’s water quality, and state officials say those efforts will continue to expand.
Launched in 2019 by Gov. Mike DeWine in response to the Toledo water crisis of 2014, the H2Ohio initiative focuses on enhancing water quality across the state, particularly in northwest Ohio. That region has faced persistent challenges from harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie, prompting a concentration of projects aimed at improving drinking water supplies, reducing pollution, and restoring the health of Ohio’s lakes, rivers and streams.
The H2Ohio initiative focuses on enhancing water quality across the state, particularly in northwest Ohio.
As progress is being made, H2Ohio is now extending its reach into other parts of the state. A key part of this expansion involves the Ohio Department of Agriculture working directly with farmers to implement water-friendly practices.
“The program primarily focuses on improving nutrient management, improving the application of fertilizer, [and] improving manure application practices throughout the year to reduce the possibility of loss of those nutrients when it rains,” said Terry Mescher, H2Ohio Program Manager with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
To learn when the next enrollment period for the program begins, residents are encouraged to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District.
Mescher spoke at the Lima Allen County Chamber County's monthly breakfast to local business leaders.
