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Since time immemorial, people have been drawn to the shores of the Great Lakes. Each lake is unique and each has its own story to tell.

 

Lake Erie is the smallest, stormiest, and most species-rich of the Great Lakes. However, over 150 years of industrialization and urbanization have taken their toll on the lake.  Currently, the most significant issue facing Lake Erie is harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by agricultural pollution and worsened by the impacts of climate change.

 

While lake life takes the summer spotlight, August is a perfect time to raise awareness about protecting our cherished Lake Erie.  Starting August 1, Freshwater Future, Freshwater Future Canada, partner groups, and advocates will launch a month-long social media campaign and contest – #WeAreLakeErie – to keep Lake Erie in public focus. The campaign aims to raise awareness about Lake Erie issues such as HABs and to highlight the significant role Lake Erie plays in our environment, biodiversity, economies, recreation, and overall well-being.

Give some love to Lake Erie this month by completing one of the three below:

Join the Growing Movement to Protect Lake Erie

Updates on our work, our waters, action alerts, and news from around our Great Lakes community. 

Enter now through August 31, 2025,11:59 pm ET for a chance to win outdoor gear from Patagonia, Freshwater Future, and more!

Drawing will take place on September 2nd, 2025. Winners will be notified by email.

Lake Erie Quick Stats

  • More than 14 million people live in the Lake Erie basin and 11 million get their drinking water from Lake Erie
  • Lake Erie is the warmest of the Great Lakes – In the summer, temperatures average around 76°F (24.4°C)
  • Lake Erie is the shallowest of the five Great Lakes, maximum depth – 210 ft.
  • 872 Miles Shoreline
  • 241 Miles East to West
  • 57 Miles North to South
  • 9,910 Square Miles
  • 30,140 Square Miles Drained
  • 6-Year Turnover Rate
  • Lake Erie is home to approximately 130 fish species