Summit Lake Assessment

The history of Summit Lake is long and varied, ever since its creation as a natural lake and wetland. Throughout this history, Summit Lake has served as a connector, whether transporting goods along the Ohio & Erie Canal, serving as a destination for rubber industry workers at the former amusement park, or today, as a modest neighborhood park.

However, not all progress led to positive impacts. In the early 1900s, industry used the water from Summit Lake for manufacturing, then dumped the water polluted with heavy metals, oils and chemicals back into the lake. At this same time, homes began to fill the streets lining its shores, but without the advanced sewer system that exists today to keep waste from flowing directly into the water. Though heavy industrial use of the lake has decreased and other modern advances lead to fewer pollutants funneling into the water, our community still wonders: What is the health of Summit Lake, and is it safe?

Over the past year, partners across greater Akron have teamed up with the community to find an answer to these questions, while learning how we can impact Summit Lake’s future in positive, meaningful ways. Tests of the water and sediments at the bottom of the lake were conducted to determine if time and natural decomposition of chemicals have healed the lake, and to see how safe the lake may be for the community to use for a variety of recreational purposes.

Through these tests, we are excited to share that the quality of Summit Lake has improved over the past few decades, allowing for opportunities to interact with the lake. In this document, you’ll find more information about the health of Summit Lake, it’s history, how we can safely interact with the lake, and what you can do to help improve its health. We’re excited to share that with you!

Thank you for being a part of Summit Lake. We look forward to working together to create a better future for the neighborhoods residents and visitors.

The Results

Current test results show that water quality of the lake has improved over the last few decades, which means the lake is naturally cleaning itself. Skin contact with the water and the occasional tipping and falling into the water does not pose a health concern, and is safe.

This does not mean the water is perfect. Oil or petroleum pollution still enters the lake and canal on rare occasions. Though the exact source of this pollution is unknown, it could come from a number of sources, including improper disposal of oil.

• Dumping: If oil is not properly disposed of, it can drain into the storm sewer system or run off, eventually leading to the lake. Improper disposal includes dumping oil down storm sewer or floor drain.

• Runoff: Vehicles can leak oil or petroleum, which runs off streets and driveways into storm drains, again leading to Summit Lake.

When testing the soil at the bottom of the lake, results showed that the first foot of the lake bottom soils does not contain the heavy metal and chemicals of concern to human health. However, oils do remain trapped in the mud that may stain clothes and leave an oily film on the skin.

The oils found in the lake do bother the growth of insects, worms and other critters in the lake bottom and are not healthy for aquatic life since those beings breathe and live in the water for most or all of their life. For people, occasional contact with the lake bottom is of very low health risk.

It is important to remember that though there are contaminants that are not good for its overall health, the test results show that Summit Lake is no different than any other Ohio lake, and can be actively used by the community for a variety of activities.

Doing Your Part

As members of the community, whether resident or visitor you play an important role in the current and future health of Summit Lake and its surrounding park. While the lake is improving, there are still certain steps that can be taken to make it a more enjoyable space for all.

• Community and individual litter clean ups help to improve the beauty of the lake and improve conditions for wildlife.

• Don’t pour chemicals, oil, medication, etc down any drains at home or in the streets

• Minimize or stop using lawn chemicals for weed control and fertilizer. Fertilizers use can lead to growth of undesirable algae in the lake.

• Use biodegradable soaps for car washing.

• If you see an oily sheen on the water, or if you see anyone draining motor oil or gasoline into a catch basin, report it.