Katie Rousseau
Associate Director of Clean Water Program

Blog Posts By This Author

Lake Erie in Serious Trouble

April 24, 2012 | Clean Water, Greening Water Infrastructure, Protecting Rivers

Since 2004, studies have shown that the algae problem in Lake Erie has been slowly getting worse with last year being the worst year on record. The algae, which usually stayed in Maumee Bay and the Western Basin of Lake Erie had now spread into the Central Basin and past Cleveland.

Rain Gardens: A Top Priority for Girl Scouts of the USA in 2012

January 5, 2012 | Clean Water, Greening Water Infrastructure

Time to start 2012 off right! Last month the Girl Scouts of the USA announced its 100th Anniversary Take Action Project Girl Scouts Forever Green, which includes projects focused on waste reduction, energy conservation and rain gardens

Is your beach safe for swimming?

August 11, 2011 | Clean Water, Stormwater & Sewage, Greening Water Infrastructure

For too many Americans, a swim at the local river or beach also means a nasty rash, ear infection, or illness. Swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the country (after walking), but pollution in the water from sewage or street runoff can really put a damper on summer fun. In 2010, water pollution prompted more than 24,000 closings and warnings at beaches around the country.

Toledo Blade Outdoors Editor Paddles the Mighty Maumee River Again After 27 Years

July 11, 2011 | Clean Water, National River Cleanup, Protecting Rivers, Stormwater & Sewage

Toledo Blade Outdoor Editor paddles the Maumee River to see the improvements after 27 years. He wrote several editorials throughout his journey that highlights his journey.

Toledo Resident becomes a Green Infrastructure Advocate

May 10, 2011 | Clean Water, Greening Water Infrastructure

It's that season again, the rainy season I once spoke of in a blog back in 2009 when American Rivers was working with the City of Toledo, New England Rain Barrel Company, and Rain Garden Initiative of Toledo - Lucas County offering rain barrels at a reasonable price. This was the first sale of its kind in the area and we were able to sell nearly 500 rain barrels through this program.

Green infrastructure considered as potential solution to consent decree costs

January 20, 2011 | Clean Water, Greening Water Infrastructure

This week in Toledo, Ohio, I testified before the City Council urging the city to take a hard look at its long term plan to control sewer overflows – an obvious problem for clean water and river health. American Rivers is playing a lead role to encourage the city to use green infrastructure, which will help the City save money over the long term. 

Toledo, Ohio’s Maywood Avenue Gets Facelift and Gains Recognition from Local Leaders

November 3, 2010 | Clean Water, Greening Water Infrastructure

Facelift?  Facelift equals street-scale green infrastructure retrofit.  This story is just one of many like it, but it sure is good. Over three years ago, the City of Toledo’s Division of Environmental Services along with Tetra Tech and American Rivers put together a street-scale green infrastructure project outline that would include the use of bioswales in rights-of-ways, permeable pavement on sidewalks and driveway approaches, and rain gardens and rain barrels on private property. 

Building Smart to Protect Clean Water

March 8, 2010 | Clean Water Read more »

Workshop: Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure

October 27, 2009 | Stormwater & Sewage Read more »

Building on Rain Barrel Success!

July 1, 2009 | Stormwater & Sewage Read more »