Some state lawmakers say Ohio’s water quality is in danger because of a state budget provision that lets homeowners clear foliage from "buffer zones" near water reservoirs.
Earlier this year, lawmakers approved a measure that would let landowners near water reservoirs chop and trim in buffer zones. These are the strips of land with trees, bushes and grass that can catch harmful runoff.
Democratic Representative David Leland of Columbus says landowners believe this makes the area look nicer.
Leland: “And that may be true but those things were there for a purpose, those things were there to protect the drinking water and that has to have number one priority.”
Leland has introduced a bill to stop landowners from touching municipality-owned buffer zones.
