Onondaga Lake is one of America’s most polluted lakes.
The Clean Water Act of the 1970’s prompted New York State to start restoring the condition of the lake by putting bands on harmful detergents, creating laws against mercury dumping, and instilling sewage treatment.
Progress has been made in the Onondaga Lake clean up over the years.
Yet to this day, sewer pipes and storm drains that combine underground create a water overflow that carries bacteria to the lake.
County Executive Joanne Mahoney says partnering with a program called Save the Rain can inevitably help save Onondaga Lake from pollutants.
Save the Rain teaches community residents how to catch, store, clean, and use rain as healthy water supply.
Mahoney says slowing down rainwater can help prevent sewage overflows.
Save the Rain uses barrels to catch rain, eliminating excess water from reaching sewage drains and storm pipes. The organization also uses gutters and downspouts in redirecting run-off water toward grass instead of driveways, preventing sewage overflows.
“This is an opportunity for Onondaga County to lead the way across New York State and the Country,” Mahoney said with optimism.
Photo courtesy of Waterontheweb.org
No comments:
Post a Comment