The Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s Watershed Protection Programs were developed to protect public health and our water quality resources from the impacts of point source and non-point source pollution. These programs emphasize the utilization of watershed-based planning within CCBH, as well as collaborative efforts with partnering agencies. The watershed protection programs include a variety of activities that assist our communities and our collaborative partners, including water quality programs, educational outreach, and public involvement programs. 

General Information

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) provides public health services to 57 cities, villages, and townships in Cuyahoga County, with an approximate population of 885,000. Cuyahoga County is on the shores of Lake Erie and contains 3 major watersheds: the Rocky River, the Cuyahoga River and the Chagrin River, all of which drain to the lake.

These major watersheds are impacted by both point source and non-point source pollution. Sources of point source pollution are often continuous and can typically be identified, minimized, and even eliminated. Sources of non-point source pollution, however, are often very difficult to trace and identify. They are widespread and often intermittent. Examples include runoff from streets and parking lots, agricultural fields,  lawns, construction sites, and household sewage treatment systems (HSTS). Contaminants in non-point source pollution include sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, salts, toxic chemicals, and pathogens. These pollutants have the potential to adversely impact both ground and surface waters.

The watershed protection programs consist of the following: