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“Louisville wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for the Ohio River.”
Congressman Morgan McGarvey spoke to a crowd last week during a community conversation on “Protecting the Ohio River”, hosted by Louisville Public Media. The topic was timely as this week is Sourcewater Protection Week.
Louisville’s proximity to the river provided a solid foundation to create Water Works in 1860, what you now know as Louisville Water Company. The mighty Ohio River provides an abundant supply for our drinking water.
“People actually probably don’t think about the Ohio River, but they should every single time they turn on the faucet or take a shower because people depend on it for their drinking water,” McGarvey said.
Every day, Louisville Water produces and delivers an average 131 million gallons of Louisville Pure Tap® to nearly a million people.
A panel that included the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, and Ohio River Way, talked about the river’s history, its rich ecosystem and biodiversity, the many ways we use it, and the general health of the river. The group also provided an overview of a comprehensive, non-regulatory restoration plan and report released over the summer which outlines the challenges of preserving the Ohio River and the need for federal investments.
Louisville Water shared information with guests on the water services we provide for the community along with copies of our 2024 annual water quality report and fun activities to learn about water. Our education and outreach program travels to schools throughout the year offering a variety of lessons, including one specifically about protecting the Ohio River.
“They’re learning at a young age how our actions have a ripple effect. You can throw a chip bag on the ground miles away, but it can still end up in the river. Use a refillable bottle to keep the single use plastics out of our waterways and landfills. We’re essentially showing them things they can do to make a difference,” said Heather Hill, Louisville Water’s Education and Outreach Specialist.
You may remember a 300-plus mile stretch of the Ohio River was deemed a National Water Trail over the summer. The designation emphasizes why everyone should feel empowered to help protect it.
What can you do to help?
- Don’t litter. Walk those few extra steps and toss your trash into a trashcan or recycling container.
- Choose a reusable bottle to fill up with Louisville Pure Tap® (or your drinking water source) over single-use plastic bottles that often end up on the ground and in our waterways.
- Pick up after your pets. Animal waste contaminates waterways.
- Connect with Kentucky Waterways Alliance or Ohio River Way to learn about opportunities to get involved.
- Participate in volunteer activities with Louisville MSD which include trash cleanup events
Louisville Water is a proud sponsor of the Ohio River Basin Confluence happening October 16-18 in Louisville. The summit highlights the overall impact of the river on communities, the threats we face in preserving the Ohio River, the continuous work to ensure clean water, and recreational and tourism benefits.
