Ohio State University has drained iconic Mirror Lake near the center of campus to try to figure out how to lessen its economic and environmental impact. Less than a week after students gather in and around the lake to celebrate "Beat Michigan Week," the university opted to begin the project. Ohio State is paying $24,000 to a consultant to evaluate the sustainability, safety and aesthetic nature of Mirror Lake. The lake was drained Monday and will remain empty for several months while research is conducted.
Mirror Lake holds about a million gallons of water. It costs the university about $40,000 annually to keep it filled. Overflow from the lake drains into the Columbus storm sewer system, but Ohio State spokeswoman Lindsay Komlanc says water could be leaking through the lakeâs deteriorating walls. âWe donât actually know how much of the water usage is related to the overflow specifically and how much is related to the leakage and thatâs one of the reasons weâre doing the study,â? Komlanc says. Mirror Lake is the site of the annual plunge that draws thousands of people the week of the Ohio State-Michigan football game. Study results are expected early next year.
