Clean Water and Sanitation
Clean water and sanitation are fundamental to maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. This initiative aligns with UN SDG 6, which emphasizes the sustainable management of water resources and equitable access to safe drinking water. UToledo has been actively working on water quality research, effective wastewater treatment, and technologies to enhance clean water access, particularly following the 2014 Toledo water crisis.
Key Initiatives
Guardians of the Great Lakes: The Lake Erie Center
The UToledo Lake Erie Center is our premier research facility dedicated to environmental monitoring. Researchers like Dr. Tom Bridgeman lead the "Early Warning Network," using sensor-equipped buoys to monitor harmful algal blooms (HABs) in real-time. This data is vital for city water treatment plants to adjust their filtration processes before toxins reach the public water supply.
The Water Task Force
Established immediately following the 2014 water crisis, the UToledo Water Task Force connects experts across disciplines - from engineering to medicine - to solve water security challenges.
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Innovation: Dr. Jason Huntley is developing "biofilters" that use bacteria native to Lake Erie to naturally degrade microcystin toxins in drinking water.
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Health Impact: Dr. David Kennedy and Dr. Steven Haller are leading the "Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research" study to understand if airborne algal toxins can affect human lung health.
Campus Conservation & Efficiency
UToledo practices what it preaches by aggressively reducing water consumption on campus.
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Water Bottle Refill Stations: Supported by the Student Green Fund (SGF), the university has installed over 23 refill stations across campus. As of 2024, these stations have diverted over 200,000 single-use plastic bottles from landfills.
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Consumption Reduction: Through high-efficiency fixtures and updated infrastructure, UToledo reduced its total campus water consumption by 24.8% between 2007 and 2024, surpassing its original goal of 20%.
Student Involvement
Students play a critical role in these initiatives, from conducting field research on the Maumee River to proposing new water station locations through the Student Green Fund. The "Water for the World" student organization also works to raise awareness about global sanitation issues.
Achievements and Impact
- Harmful Algal Bloom Research: UToledo leads Ohio’s Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative, making significant progress in the prevention and management of HABs, benefiting both local and regional water quality.
- Funding and Partnerships: UToledo has secured over $50 million in external funding for water quality projects since 2014, enhancing the university's capacity to address water-related challenges effectively.
- Technological Advancements: The development of innovative tools like biofilters and sensors has improved the efficiency of water treatment and contributed to safer water for thousands of residents in the Toledo area.
Why It Matters
Access to clean water and effective sanitation is essential for public health and environmental sustainability. UToledo’s initiatives contribute significantly to local and regional water safety, aligning with both the UN SDGs and AASHE’s sustainability criteria. Through ongoing research, technological advancements, and community engagement, the university remains committed to securing clean water for the future.