The lower water levels at the reservoirs last year provided increased opportunity to collect litter from the expanded shorelines. Nowhere was this more evident than O’Shaughnessy, where long-lost lures and a bounty of bottles were exposed with every receding foot. Many reservoir visitors collected litter while walking the shore, and the Columbus Watershed Management staff helped to collect and properly dispose of several truckloads, including many assorted tires.
The Columbus Division of Water is very appreciative of the efforts shown by caring citizens, neighbors, scouts and other volunteers who regularly help to keep the reservoir shorelines clean and enjoyable. Whether participating in a planned cleanup event, or carrying a litter bag while out on a daily walk, volunteers have a big impact on litter. This past fall, a local citizen suggested a community cleanup at O’Shaughnessy to take advantage of the unusually low water levels. With support from Keep Delaware County Beautiful, the citizen, Columbus and the Del-Co Water Company were recently recognized by the Delaware General Health District with a 2019 Partnership Award for Scioto River cleanup efforts.
For details of upcoming reservoir cleanup events, or to inquire about holding a group cleanup, please contact the Watershed Management office at watershed@columbus.gov or call 614-645-1721.