Columbus lawmakers to introduce legislation protecting Franklin County drinking water

State Representatives David Leland (D-Columbus) and Michael Stinziano (D-Columbus) today announced plans to introduce legislation to prevent the destruction of natural buffer zones growing around Hoover Reservoir. The legislation will repeal a provision included in the state budget that allows residents to significantly alter those zones.

“Hoover Reservoir is a vital source of public water for Columbus, and the strip of land encircling Hoover and other reservoirs acts as a natural filter that removes contaminants that would threaten our water supply,” said Leland. “This provision, which was inserted in the budget at the last minute without public input or participation, threatens the health and safety of all Franklin County residents.”

“As the father of two infants, I believe the provisions inserted into the state budget that would allow areas around reservoirs like Hoover to be altered are bad policy and should be debated in an open and transparent manner,” Stinziano said. “Hoover Reservoir is a vital public resource and we need to do everything we can to protect it.”