LCA’s Chief Executive Officer takes a stand on nutrient pollution

Last August, the City of Toledo issued a city-wide “do not drink” water advisory due to their detection on cyanotoxin microcystin in the drinking water. This contamination event occurred due to a large algal bloom in Lake Erie.

What causes such an event? Nutrient pollution. This term is used to describe the influx of nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants into our waterways. These compounds are common in fertilizers and can be found naturally in the environment as well, and algae love to eat it!

Where does nutrient pollution come from? The primary source of nutrient pollution in our waterways is from runoff – water washed into our streams and lakes from rain events, bringing pollutants with them after every storm.

We have posted information about LCA’s source water protection studies and plans in the past – click here to learn more.

This week, our CEO, Aurel Arndt, took the issue to Washington and testified on behalf of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). In his testimony, he urged the U.S. House Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy to take the issue seriously and provide support to the water industry to reducing nutrient pollution and dealing with drinking water emergencies caused by cyanotoxin contamination.

LCA is proud to support AWWA’s efforts on this important issue!

Read AWWA’s Press Release.