Gary, Ind., Celebrates Clean Water

Gary, Ind., residents and officials gathered Saturday at the Marquette Park Lagoon for the annual Gary Clean Water Celebration.

Area groups provided information at the event, which is held in conjunction with Lake Michigan Coast Week, and residents enjoyed free canoe rides along the lagoon.

The purpose of the celebration is to educate the community about the impact of storm water runoff and the pollution it causes, said Dorreen Carey, director of Gary's Department of Environmental Affairs. "The water pollution happens when oil, gasoline, fertilizer, pesticides and pet and animal waste are washed off the streets and lawns by rain and melted snow," she said.

Carey added, though, that everyone can contribute to reducing the impacts of water pollution, such as cleaning up after pets and cutting down on the use of pesticides and fertilizers in lawn care.

According to Richard Comer, president for the Gary Storm Water Management Board, the event addresses the city's need for clean water, an issue Gary Mayor Rudy Clay emphasizes. "The health and quality of the water we drink and use for daily purposes determines our health as human beings," Comer said. "By eliminating the water pollutants, we are improving our lifestyle."

Gary Councilwoman Marilyn Krusas, representing the first district, said community awareness is key when it comes to the value of Lake Michigan and area lagoons. "This is clean water, and we have to work together to keep it clean. We want to be able to drink it, enjoy it during the summer months. We are doing this for the next generations," she said.

Source: Post-Tribune