WATCH: Here's what a 260-foot crane ride looks like.

When you talk about underground work, "heights" are not something that comes to mind. But to get into and out of our Tunnel Dewatering Pump Station project in Bratenahl, workers need to take this crane ride that may leave some of you catching your breath.

LIST: 5 reasons mayflies are nothing like giant mutated man-eating ants

When meteorologist Mark Johnson posted a radar image yesterday of a cloud of mayflies swarming over Lake Erie, it was almost intimidating, like something you'd see in a B-movie trailer foretelling a fight scene between mutated bugs and a clan of outmatched but gutsy Clevelanders.

One move that came to mind is 1977's Empire of the Ants (what do you mean you've never seen it?!) But before you stock up on bunker supplies and take cover, there is really no reason to fear mayflies.

Here are five reasons a swarm of mayflies are so nothing like the ants of 1977 B-movie fame.

PIC: Soooo this swarm of bugs is so thick you can see it on radar?

So that blob on the weather radar? It's not a storm. It's a swarm.

WEWS Chief Meteorologist Mark "Still not a foul" Johnson shared this photo via Twitter last night:

Yes... Those are millions of mayflies showing up on Power of 5 Radar. Details: http://t.co/t2q8MReSV6 @MarkJWeather pic.twitter.com/quJaaqcrmj

— WEWS NewsChannel5 (@WEWS) June 24, 2015

Seriously? Enough mayflies out over the lake that the mass is visible ON RADAR? Yes, and it's common.

Mark wrote up a good explanation of mayflies and their mating habits, including a mention of what their presence across Ohio's north coast means for water quality. These insects are a sign that water quality is good, and their reappearance each season shows that Lake Erie's health has improved in recent decades.

So while challenges to Lake Erie remain, these bugs are nothing to be scared of. Unless of course they rise up against humanity.

NOTICE: Water quality advisory posted at Edgewater as a result of early morning storm, overflow

This morning, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District posted a public advisory at Edgewater Beach, a result of a combined sewer overflow (CSO) event which discharged raw sewage into Lake Erie during this morning’s heavy rain storm.

Visitors—particularly children, the elderly and those in ill health—are advised to avoid contact with the water and debris.

“Edgewater is yet another example of why we need to continue to be aggressive in investing in our sewer infrastructure, particularly if want to continue to capitalize on the good work of the Cleveland Metroparks and those who are developing along the lakefront,” said Sewer District Chief Executive Officer Julius Ciaccia recently.

“Otherwise, to ignore the problems, like combined sewer overflows, stormwater run-off, failing septic systems, and illicit connections of sanitary sewage to storm sewers, that plague our local waterways would be irresponsible, and would squander the past investments made to keep our Great Lake great.”

Since 1972, the Sewer District has reduced the volume of CSO by half—from 9 billion gallons to 4.5 billion gallons—and continues efforts to reduce CSO from entering local waterways. The Sewer District has $3 billion plan—Project Clean Lake—which will further reduce overflows from 4.5 billion gallons to 500 million gallons by 2036 through the construction of large-scale storage tunnels, green infrastructure, and wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

HISTORY: Wait, the Cuyahoga River burned HOW many times before 1969?

Two men wearing life jackets on a small boat on Lake Erie, 1976. Both the boat and the men are covered in oil polluting Lake Erie. Image courtesy of Cleveland State University Library Division of Special Collections.

When the oozing Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1969, consider that it might not have even made the "Top 10" list of Cleveland river fires at the time.

A spark ignited pollution on the Crooked River 46 years ago today—June 22, 1969—but few realize that it actually was the thirteenth time it had happened.

Thirteen times. Take that in for a moment. The river had once been so polluted and abused since the 1860s that tar-black layers of filth burned on its surface on at least 13 other occasions.

GRIT: The @Cavs had it, but what is it? #ALLinCLE

Photo via @ridgej

Despite The Plain Dealer's headline June 17, we believe the Cavs had grit all playoffs long. But if they're looking for more heading into next season, we have plenty.

In sports, grit is toughness, attitude and heart. In the clean-water industry, grit is different but it's a major part of the wastewater treatment process. As wastewater flows into the treatment plant, it is slowed down in large tanks that allow solid particles like sand and gravel to settle out. Those settled abrasive particles, known as grit, are removed to ensure equipment runs smoothly.

Here's a closer look.

NOTICE: Water quality advisory posted at Edgewater beach following Monday downpour

Today, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District posted a water-quality advisory at Edgewater Beach.  The advisory is a result of a combined sewer overflow (CSO) event at Edgewater, which discharged raw sewage into Lake Erie during last night’s heavy rain.

Visitors – particularly children, the elderly and those in ill health – are advised to avoid contact with the water and debris. 

"Last night’s overflow at Edgewater is yet another example of why we need to continue to be aggressive in investing in our sewer infrastructure, particularly if want to continue to capitalize on the good work of the Cleveland Metroparks and those who are developing along the lakefront," said Julius Ciaccia, Sewer District Executive Director.

"Otherwise, to ignore the problems, like combined sewer overflows, stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, and illicit connections of sanitary sewage to storm sewers, that plague our local waterways would be irresponsible, and would squander the past investments made to keep our Great Lake great."

NEWS: Summer sun, sandy beaches, and swimming advisories? What you need to know

You hit the beach with family or friends and pass a red-and-white Advisory sign as you roll out your towel. Should you be concerned? And what affects bacteria levels at local beaches?

One of our jobs is to monitor water quality at three local beaches, including Edgewater, Villa Angela and Euclid beaches. And in that work, we have a role sharing information and researching the bacteria and their sources.

So rather than be concerned, be informed. Here's what you need to know.

What an advisory means

An advisory means bacteria levels in the swimming areas along the beach may be elevated. The advisory may be posted near main beach entrances.

What causes bacteria levels to rise

Many variables can impact the water quality of the beaches, some of which you might not expect.

The list includes the presence of waterfowl at the beach, the influence of Lake Erie currents, the fate of pollutants—like raw sewage—discharged into local water bodies, and stormwater runoff, which can carry motor oil, garbage and other pollutants into local water bodies, too.

All of these factors affect bacteria levels in the water at the beach, and daily testing helps keep visitors informed, especially if conditions for higher bacteria levels are present.

#ALLinCLE: How an NBA Finals game and stormwater management are painfully similar

Not concerned. Have you heard about our Stormwater Management Program? @matthewdelly @kingjames #ALLinCLE @SFWater pic.twitter.com/xdkcm57dVq

— NE Oh Regional Sewer (@neorsd) June 12, 2015

What began as a tongue-in-cheek exchange between utilities in the heat of their cities' NBA Finals battle shed light on odd similarities between basketball and managing stormwater.

The Cavs' game 4 performance was painful, but it proved four important points that fans of the hardwood and sustainability can both embrace. Are there others you would add?

1. Good defense can beat good offense.

It proved itself in the Cavs' wins in games 2 and 3 as Cleveland's defense kept "Splash City's" shooters at bay. Stormwater management works the same way.

Stormwater runoff in Cleveland's heavy storms wreaks havoc on combined sewer systems for a variety of reasons. One solution is to but up a good defense on your property to slow the flow of the water much like slowing the flow of a powerful offense.

This can be done with downspout disconnects, reducing hard surfaces (known as impervious pavement), or increasing green spaces to allow water to soak into the ground rather than rushing off toward storm sewers, combined sewers, or local waterways. There are plenty of tips you can use at home.

HEALTH: 5 facts about hydration, because Dellavedova may be human after all #GetWellyDelly #ALLinCLE

Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova was hospitalized after experiencing severe cramping http://t.co/g4Y8PMy82U pic.twitter.com/d5yNVnmMyo

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 10, 2015

Following Cleveland Cavalier Matthew Dellavedova's 20-point lay-it-all-on-the-line performance in NBA Finals game 3, reports surfaced that he was hospitalized with severe cramping. It was the first indication that he may indeed be human.

Cramps are commonly caused by some combination of dehydration, muscle fatigue, and inadequate salt intake, reports cleveland.com's Andrew Tobias. As we wish Delly a quick recovery, here are 5 fast facts about keeping your body hydrated.

1. Start with water. Amidst NBA Finals advertising, sports drinks fill much of the air time, but old-fashioned H2O is a good way to start. When working out, it is recommended that you drink 7-10 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

EVENT: 288-acre treatment plant transformed into 5K course for wellness, charity #cwc5K

Top male finisher Anthony Raimondo and female finisher
Bella Renaticello

Dozens of runners turned a wastewater treatment plant into a 5K course June 6 and the sights, sounds, and smells of the summer day made memories for all who attended.

The third annual Clean Water Classic 5K, a wellness event and Charity Choice campaign fundraiser, wove its way through the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cuyahoga Heights.

The top male finisher was Anthony Raimondo and the top female finisher was Bella Renaticello who each took home toilet-shaped trophies, because of course they did. See the complete list of runners' times.

More photos after the jump.

PROFILES: "I feel privileged to be a part of this program." Meet the second class of Good Neighbor Ambassadors

Good Neighbor Ambassadors work as liaisons between the Sewer District, various community and business organizations, and the general public.

The focus of this second class of Ambassadors is to address concerns of residents in the Glenville area during Project Clean Lake's Dugway Storage Tunnel construction. [See a full map of Dugway construction through 2019 planned or in progress]

They will also help install seasonal “high tunnel” greenhouses for growing crops and, in partnership with Cleveland Public Library, they will create reading gardens in the community.

Here's a little more about the latest class that started with us this spring.

Andre Wells
Andre grew up in the Glenville area and played Cleveland Muny League football at Glenville High School. He’s enthusiastic about having a larger role in the community. “I’m no longer just a resident,” Wells said.

“I have a role that can positively influence the community.” He also expressed his gratitude for what our program offers. “I can get training, go back to school, and get tuition reimbursement. I want to take full advantage of every opportunity given to me.”

Taylor Miller
As a Glenville resident, Taylor has seen the impact of construction on the neighborhood. Her curiosity about the construction and her interest in wastewater management led her to attend a Dugway Project community meeting. There she learned about the Good Neighbor program, and also saw how many people, like herself, had questions about the project.

“I feel privileged to be a part of this program, helping my community understand what is happening in our neighborhood,” Miller said.