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Location:
Akron Water Supply
Watershed Division
1570 Ravenna Rd.
Kent, Ohio 44240

Telephone Numbers:
Phone: (330) 678-0077 ext. 3749
Fax: (330) 375-2502

Where can I:

Fish/ice fish:

Shoreline fishing is available in specific areas around LaDue, Mogadore, and East Branch Reservoirs. Ice fishing should be done with extreme caution. The ODNR's Fishing Basics page includes information about where fishing is permitted along the Cuyahoga River. Fishing is not permitted near or around any dam or dike at any reservoir.

There is absolutely no shoreline fishing at Lake Rockwell. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

Hunt:

Hunting maps are available through the ODNR. There is limited hunting at LaDue and Mogadore Reservoirs. There is currently no hunting at East Branch reservoir. There is absolutely no hunting at Lake Rockwell. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

Kayak/canoe/boat:

Kayaking, canoeing, and boating with electric motors is welcomed at East Branch, LaDue, and Mogadore reservoirs. All boats must comply with State of Ohio regulations regarding craft licensing and size restrictions. In addition, LaDue Reservoir Boathouse and Marina and Mogadore Reservoir Boathouse and Marina have kayaks, canoes, boats with or without electric motors, and paddle boats available for rent.

Hike/bird watch:

East Branch, LaDue, and Mogadore Reservoirs are all excellent locations for bird watching. Headwaters Park at East Branch has a foot path along the western corridor to the Reservoir which can also be used for horseback riding. Also running by East Branch Reservoir is a portion of the Maple Highlands Trail. The Buckeye Trail runs near or through Mogadore, LaDue, and East Branch Reservoirs.

Camp:

Primitive camping is available at East Branch Reservoir only through the Geauga Park District.

Picnic:

Picnic tables and grills are located at the boathouse areas at LaDue and Mogadore Reservoirs and at Headwaters Park at East Branch Reservoir.

Swim:

All of Akron’s reservoirs are considered “no contact” lakes. Swimming for both humans and pets is prohibited.

Why can’t I:

Fish, boat, hike or hunt at Lake Rockwell?

Lake Rockwell is the source of the drinking water for almost 300,000 people. Akron takes great care to preserve this reservoir to be as natural as possible and to prevent any type of additional pollution from entering into this sensitive area. By limiting human interactions in these areas we can help to reduce potential contamination into the source water at Lake Rockwell. Thanks to the preservation of Lake Rockwell and the surrounding woodlands, the lands and water have become wildlife sanctuaries that foster a variety of species of flora and fauna including several threatened and endangered species.

Walk, fish or hang out at the dams?

The dams at all of the reservoirs are considered “No Trespassing” areas. People found to be loitering on or around the dams either on shore or in boats will be asked to leave and run the risk of being cited for trespassing. These areas are high security areas and are not open to the public.

Who do I call if:

I see someone trespassing in restricted areas?

Call the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to report trespass on restricted areas at Mogadore, Lake Rockwell, LaDue and East Branch Reservoirs.

I see someone dumping/polluting?

Call the County Sheriffs' non emergency number.

-Portage County: 330-678-7012

-Geauga County: 440-286-1234

I have general questions?

Contact the Watershed office at 330-678-0077 extension 461.

Does Akron water come from WWTPs?

Partly, yes, but not directly. Akron pulls water from Lake Rockwell, which, like most lakes, contains a small amount of effluent from wastewater plants upstream of it. Similarly, Cleveland’s source water contains a small amount of effluent from WWTP's in Akron. But since wastewater effluent has already been treated with digestion, aeration, and disinfection, it is as clean as the river itself, and in some cases even cleaner.

Why does the City manage property in Geauga and Portage County?

Akron owns nearly 16,000 acres in Portage and Geauga counties, the majority of which is deciduous forest and wetlands. These ecologically sensitive areas were purchased by the city to preserve their natural states. Undeveloped forests and wetlands are beneficial for water quality because they act as natural filters which remove pollution and moderate the eroding effects of storm water runoff. These natural areas near the river are called riparian buffers.

Akron also owns a significant portion of pasture and crop lands. They are leased to farmers and managed according to a set of rules designed to keep the soil healthy and minimize the potential for excess chemical runoff into the river.

How does Watershed Staff monitor water quality?

Watershed staff monitor water quality in two ways: visual inspection and chemical testing. Quarterly patrols of NPDES discharge sites keep the staff alert to malfunctioning industrial plants, factories, and oil wells, while canoeing allows them to find more obscure sources of pollution.

Monthly sampling of 19 sites along the Cuyahoga River and its tributaries keeps the staff informed of nutrient contents, bacterial populations, and other water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Meanwhile, reservoir sampling allows the staff to keep track of algae growth and odor producing compounds.

**What is Cryptosporidium parvum?**

Cryptosporidium parvum (or Crypto for short) is an intestinal parasite. It is transmitted primarily through water contaminated with fecal waste from an infected animal. Unlike some other parasites, Crypto has the ability to shield itself from disinfectants and pass through water treatment plants virtually unharmed. While uncommon in the United States, some outbreaks have occurred in Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin. The most notable outbreak happened in Milwaukee in 1993. Over 400,000 people became ill, 4,000 people were hospitalized, and 69 people died of infection. It remains the largest waterborne disease outbreak in documented United States history.

Because Crypto is notoriously difficult to test for and conventional treatment techniques are ineffective, Akron’s watershed division aims to prevent contamination in the watershed before it infiltrates the treatment plant. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so careful monitoring of pasture land and wastewater plants upstream of Akron can protect hundreds of thousands of people downstream.

How can I help keep the watershed beautiful?

Find ways to reduce pollution in your daily life. Small changes add up over time! Consider installing a rain garden or limiting the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers on your property. Also consider volunteering for a local watershed stewardship group.

What’s the scum on the water?

Scum on the surface of a lake or river can result from several different processes. White froth is often surfactant scum, which can form naturally as organic material is torn apart in turbulent water, or as a combination of soap residue with naturally occurring minerals in the water. Yellow or green scum can be a combination of algae, pollen, and seeds.

What is an encroachment?

An encroachment is when an adjacent landowner intrudes on another property owner’s lands. Akron monitors all of the property lines for Watershed properties to ensure that the conservation and protection efforts at the core of the Watershed program are efficacious. Akron discourages private use of Watershed properties but understands that in some situations compromises must be made. Easements of discovered encroachments are rarely offered and usually have a yearly fee associated with them. They are managed on a case by case basis.

What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a restriction placed on one or more parcels of land to protect its associated resources, including valuable natural areas such as wetlands and forested lands. In efforts to continue to be excellent environmental land stewards now and in the future, Akron has considered entering into Conservation easements on Watershed properties within Portage and Geauga County.

How are watershed projects funded?

Watershed projects are funded mostly through Akron water bills. Some projects are funded through State and Federal grants as those monies become available.

I found an injured animal, what should I do?

Leave the animal alone! Injured animals can be further injured by their rescuers if they are not trained professionals. They can also act violent and unpredictable, causing more harm to themselves and to their would-be rescuer. The best thing to do is to call your local County Game Warden for advice and response. The Game Warden’s contact information can be found through your state’s Division of Natural Resources website.

What watershed do I live in?

Use the US Environmental Protection Agency’s watershed map to help you locate your watershed.

Why is Lake Rockwell off Limits?

Lake Rockwell is the source water for the City of Akron and surrounding communities. The water and lands that make up the Lake Rockwell Reservoir are considered a “No Trespassing” area to protect them from potential litter, pollution, both accidental and purposeful, as well as any potential acts of terrorism. By enforcing a strict “no trespassing” policy, Akron Watershed Division can reduce the amount of pollution that enters into the sensitive waters of Lake Rockwell and ultimately into the drinking water for the people of Akron.

Why is Lake Pippen off limits?

Lake Pippen is owned by the City of Akron. It is a spring fed kettle lake formed by glacial activities thousands of years ago. It is 39 feet deep on average and up to 78 feet deep at its deepest spots. This relatively small lake was evaluated by the Ohio EPA, who declared it as having the highest quality water in northeastern Ohio.

Akron protects this valuable natural resource to preserve and protect the quality of the lake for all to enjoy while preventing the damage and degradation that active recreation ultimately imposes on any water body.

A tree fell off of Akron Property onto my property, what do I do?

If you believe a tree fell from Akron property onto your property, call the Watershed office at 330-678-0077 x 3749.

I have a question about an Akron property…

Any questions or concerns you have about Akron properties that have not been answered in the FAQ can be emailed to the Watershed office.

Additional Resources