H2Ohio Water Treatment Project Completed in St. Marys

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the City of St. Marys have completed a new H2Ohio water treatment project designed to improve water quality in the region.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark completion of the project, which is located just south of the St. Marys River and includes a series of wetlands spanning approximately 31 acres.

The project was developed through Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative and is designed to filter nutrient laden water that moves through the city before continuing northwest toward the Maumee River and Lake Erie.

The wetland system includes a series of pools that work together as a treatment train. The pools are designed to trap sediment, hold additional water during storm events and reduce phosphorus and nitrogen before the water continues downstream.

The project also includes water intake pipes and flow control structures that regulate how much water enters the wetlands.

A variety of vegetation was planted throughout the site, including pollinator plants, forbs and grasses. The vegetation will help stabilize the wetland areas while also creating additional wildlife habitat.

Governor DeWine said the project builds on St. Marys’ long connection to water resources, including the Miami Erie Canal and Grand Lake St. Marys, while addressing current water quality needs.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz said the partnership with the city is expected to create long term improvements for water quality and native wildlife.

St. Marys Mayor Joe Hurlburt also thanked ODNR and the governor for investing in the project and said the wetland will benefit the community for years to come.

H2Ohio was launched in 2019 as a statewide water quality initiative. The program focuses on reducing algal blooms and pollution while improving access to clean water through agricultural practices, runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation and water infrastructure projects.