My family and I built our home on the Maumee River 33 years ago. Never for a moment have we taken for granted our great fortune to have this magnificent river be a major part of our lives.
The river has changed much in the last 30 years, and not for the better. Years ago, after a good rain, the river’s water would slowly rise. Now, due to the amount of drain tile installed by area farmers, a small rain can make the water rise quickly and dramatically.
In recent years, the river looks and smells more like a dumping ground than a cherished natural resource. Algae makes the river sluggish and unclear. This water flows into western Lake Erie, exacerbating its algae problems.
Most of the pollution is known to come from farm practices, including manure and phosphorus. It is clear that our local farmers wish to continue to use the river as their private sewer.
Clean farming practices must be mandated instead of hoping farmers will voluntarily clean up the mess they have created.
LARRY KOOSED
Perrysburg
First Published September 2, 2017, 10:30 a.m.
