Source water planning
Tracking the existence of source water protection plans for the region’s community water supplies.
Water supplies meeting treatment requirements
Tracking percentages of community water supplies meeting treatment requirements.
Harmful Algal Blooms
Tracking the severity of the cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (HAB) in western Lake Erie
Reducing lead from distribution systems
Tracking progress in implementing policies to reduce lead exposure from drinking water sources.
Maritime shipping cargo
Coastal wetland acreage
This metric relies on work of the pilot Coastal Wetlands issue and is presented here only to test functions within the new website.
Phosphorus throughout the year
Tracking the annual amounts of phosphorus contributed to Lake Erie by ten priority rivers to the western and central basins of the lake. Limiting the annual total phosphorus load helps keep oxygen concentrations in the bottom waters of Lake Erie at an acceptable level and avoid hypoxia or “dead zones.”
Phosphorus in spring
Tracking the amounts of phosphorus contributed to Lake Erie by eight priority rivers in the spring (March 1 through July 31) by year. Rain and snowmelt during this season drive bloom severity later in the summer.
Strategies to reduce phosphorus
Tracking work to implement activities under Domestic Action Plans for the reduction of phosphorus in Lake Erie. Domestic Action Plans are “road maps” for phosphorus control efforts being undertaken by states, the province of Ontario, and both federal governments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
Harmonization of species regulations
Assessing regional consistency in the regulatory policies to restrict the introduction and spread of priority aquatic invasive species.