November 11, 2026

Voices for Clean Water: Ohioans Share Why Water Matters 

Water connects every Ohioan. It provides drinking water, supports local economies, creates treasured family memories, and defines the places we call home. These stories from community members across Ohio highlight why protecting clean water remains one of the most important investments we can make for current and future generations. 

Clean Water Protects Family Traditions: Joyce Cafaro 

Some of Joyce’s favorite childhood memories took place on the shores of Salt Fork State Park, fishing with her grandparents and sisters. Her grandmother baited the hooks, her grandfather handled the fish, and the family shared meals from their catch at the end of the day. Those simple experiences shaped her lifelong appreciation for clean water. 

“Blue spaces (or water) are even more therapeutic than green spaces. To enjoy a blue space, it must be clean and safe. I would never go in a body of water that was polluted with chemicals or algae or anything else.” 

For Joyce, protecting Ohio’s lakes and rivers means ensuring that future generations can build the same memories with their families that she did. 

Investing in Water Means Investing in People: Lis Regula 

Biologist, parent, and community leader Lis Regula has spent a career studying ecosystems and advocating for public health. Through that work, Lis has seen firsthand that healthy communities depend on healthy waterways. Clean water impacts everything from children’s health and economic opportunity to wildlife habitat and recreation. 

“Ultimately, investing in water quality means investing in people. Every person deserves confidence that the water they drink, cook with, swim in, and rely upon every day is safe.” 

Lis hopes future generations inherit cleaner waterways because today’s leaders chose to invest in science, conservation, and stewardship. She wants every Ohio child to have the opportunity to fish, swim, explore creeks, and discover nature without worrying about pollution. 

It’s Cheaper to Protect Water Than Restore It: Lisa Wynn

For Lisa Wynn, the Whitewater River is far more than a river. It’s the heart of her community, supporting recreation, local businesses, tourism, and wildlife. Her family and neighbors have spent years camping, canoeing, and gathering along its banks. 

“There has been a great deal of work restoring rivers. It would save a lot of taxpayer dollars to save it before restoration is needed.” 

Lisa believes communities benefit when leaders recognize the value of protecting waterways before problems become crises. Clean rivers strengthen local economies, preserve natural beauty, and reduce costly restoration efforts later. 

Lake Erie Is Worth Protecting: Vickie Askins 

For Vickie Askins, Lake Erie represents one of Ohio’s greatest assets. It provides drinking water, supports recreation, and contributes to the economic vitality of communities throughout the region. Regular visits to Maumee Bay State Park have reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy lake for future generations. 

“Lake Erie is a critical water source and recreational area for thousands of people.” 

Vickie believes Ohio must continue working toward a future where Lake Erie remains a source of safe drinking water, outdoor recreation, and community pride. 

Every Community Deserves Clean Water: Kim Kensler-Prager 

As a business owner, parent, grandparent, and community member in northwest Ohio, Kim Kensler-Prager understands how closely communities are tied to the health of Lake Erie. Water quality affects families, local businesses, and public confidence in one of Ohio’s most cherished natural resources. 

“The waters around Toledo need to be protected and kept safe. It is worth it to have clean water and not to have algae-blown waters.” 

Kim believes clean water is essential to maintaining a high quality of life for families today while preserving Lake Erie for future generations. 

A Message to Lawmakers 

These stories come from different corners of Ohio, but they share a common message: clean water is fundamental to our health, our economy, our communities, and our way of life. Whether it’s a grandparent teaching a child to fish, a scientist protecting public health, a local advocate safeguarding a community river, or a resident fighting for Lake Erie, Ohioans understand that protecting water today means protecting our future. 

Investments in clean water are investments in people, places, and generations to come. As lawmakers consider future investments, we urge continued support for H2Ohio and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These successful programs deliver cleaner water, healthier communities, and lasting benefits for Ohio’s people, economy, and natural resources.