Ohio’s Strategic Water Management and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Ohio is currently positioned at a critical juncture in its economic development, with water management playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. As the state evolves into the “Silicon Heartland,” a burgeoning hub for economic growth, the industrial demand for water is increasing significantly. This report highlights the importance of water reuse initiatives in Ohio, emphasizing their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Water Reuse: A Transformative Approach

Water reuse involves capturing, treating, and repurposing water for various applications such as irrigation and cooling of supercomputers. This innovative approach supports the conservation of Ohio’s freshwater resources, which is crucial given the state’s projected population growth and recent drought challenges.

• In 2024, 63% of Ohio experienced drought conditions.
• 51 counties were declared federal drought disaster zones.

These conditions underscore the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Ohio’s Leadership in Water Reuse Initiatives

Ohio became the first Midwestern state to join the national WateReuse Association in 2024, demonstrating leadership in water sustainability. The newly established Ohio section of the association brings together water utilities, regulators, academia, and industrial users to develop best practices that:

1. Enhance water use efficiency.
2. Reduce operational costs.
3. Promote water reuse technologies.

These partnerships aim to address potential water scarcity, foster a circular water economy, and support corporate sustainability goals, directly contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Population Growth and Economic Development

Central Ohio’s population is expected to exceed three million by 2050, representing a 35% increase from 2020. This demographic trend highlights the necessity for sustainable water allocation and management to prevent scarcity issues experienced in other regions.

• Investment in industrial water recycling technologies is critical for the longevity of Ohio’s manufacturing and technology sectors.
• These efforts will attract businesses, drive innovation, and create jobs, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Water as a Key Driver for Ohio’s Future

Ohio’s commitment to innovative water policies is expected to maximize economic growth while ensuring environmental stewardship. Policymakers at both state and federal levels are encouraged to integrate water reuse into broader economic strategies. Key recommendations include:

• Enacting investment tax credits to support scaling industrial water recycling.
• Ensuring that economic development and water resource protection proceed hand in hand.

These measures align with SDG 6 and SDG 9, promoting sustainable infrastructure and resilient industrialization.

Conclusion

By embracing water reuse, Ohio is poised to become a national leader in sustainable economic growth and environmental management. The state’s future prosperity depends on responsible water stewardship that supports innovation and meets the challenges of population growth and climate variability. This approach exemplifies a commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and securing a resilient future for Ohio’s communities and industries.

About the Author

Kristen Atha is the Director of Columbus Water & Power.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water reuse, water management, and addressing water scarcity in Ohio, which directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The emphasis on industrial water recycling technologies and supporting manufacturing and technology sectors connects to building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Population growth in Central Ohio and the need for sustainable water management to support urban development ties into making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Water reuse and creating a circular water economy align with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing drought conditions and water scarcity reflects efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Economic development, job creation, and innovation through water reuse technologies relate to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water recycling and safe reuse.
   • Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
   • Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated planning and management.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Scarcity and Drought Indicators
   • Percentage of state facing drought conditions (e.g., 63% of Ohio faced drought conditions in 2024).
   • Number of counties declared federal drought disaster zones (51 counties mentioned).
2. Water Reuse and Recycling Metrics
   • Volume or percentage of water reused or recycled in industrial and municipal sectors (implied through discussion of water reuse initiatives).
   • Number of water utilities and industrial users adopting water reuse best practices.
3. Economic and Population Growth Indicators
   • Population growth rate in Central Ohio (expected 35% increase by 2050).
   • Job creation and economic output related to water reuse technologies and industrial development.
4. Infrastructure Development Indicators
   • Investment in water infrastructure projects such as new water towers and recycling technologies.
   • Number of partnerships and collaborations formed to promote water reuse (e.g., WateReuse Ohio partnerships).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dispatch.com