Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Toledo on October 2, 2026, to highlight H2Ohio's work creating and restoring wetlands to improve the state's water quality over the long term.
DeWine created H2Ohio in 2019 as a comprehensive, data-driven approach to protect and improve water quality statewide. The program focuses on improving water infrastructure and addressing the root causes of harmful algal blooms.
Wetlands absorb excess nutrients such as phosphorus, acting as a natural filter to clean water as it flows downstream. Phosphorus runoff is a leading contributor to harmful algal blooms, especially on Lake Erie.
"H2Ohio started right here in Northwest Ohio to address the harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie," DeWine said. "By supporting farming best practices and restoring wetlands, H2Ohio has made significant progress in improving water quality and reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the Lake."
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources highlighted the Clark and Delaware/Horseshoe Islands wetlands project, completed last September in partnership with the U.S. EPA and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. The wetlands sit directly in the Maumee River, the largest tributary to Lake Erie.
H2Ohio invested more than $8.7 million to rebuild the islands. Erosion along their banks carried excess phosphorus and sediment downstream into Lake Erie. Restoration work included installing rock and natural structures along the banks to stop erosion and capture phosphorus before it flows further downstream. The islands also create habitat for fish and wildlife and enhance outdoor recreation.
"The beauty of H2Ohio is that while we are cleaning water before it enters our watersheds, we are also creating scenic natural spaces to be enjoyed by all," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. "Wetlands are incredibly valuable ecosystems. Beyond improving the environment, they support migratory birds and threatened or endangered species, and they offer exceptional recreational opportunities, whether you're a hunter, angler, birder, or simply someone who loves being outdoors."
Statewide, ODNR has completed 400 wetland projects with 129 more underway. H2Ohio wetlands have reduced nearly 78,000 pounds of source phosphorus a year, with more than 52,000 pounds of that reduction occurring in the Western Lake Erie Basin annually. More than 21,000 acres of watershed and habitat have been restored.
H2Ohio is a partnership between ODNR, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. DeWine will continue visiting communities impacted by H2Ohio to promote the program's work to reduce phosphorus runoff from Ohio farms.