Kristen Atha is director of Columbus Water & Power.
Ohio stands at an exciting crossroads in its economic development, with water management at the center of its trajectory. As the state evolves into theSilicon Heartland — a hub for economic growth — industrial demand for water in Ohio is increasing.
Enter water reuse: a transformative approach to capturing, treating and reusing water for many purposes, from irrigation to cooling supercomputers.
Reuse preserves Ohio’s freshwater resources for expected population increases and positions Ohio as a national leader in strategic development. Just last year,63% of the state faced drought conditions, and 51 counties were declared federal drought disaster zones — making the need for innovative water management more urgent than ever.
With these realities being taken into consideration by leaders throughout the state, Ohio became the first state in the Midwest to join the national WateReuse Association in 2024.
The stakes are high
The newly created Ohio section has already convened water utilities, regulators, academia and industrial users to develop best practices that enhance efficiency, reduce costs and promote water reuse.
These WateReuse Ohio partnerships will chart the roadmap to water recycling by addressing potential water scarcity, creating a circular water economy to meet corporate sustainability goals while bolstering economic development.
Central Ohio’s population isexpected to exceed three million by 2050, a 35% increase from 2020. While this growth is exciting, it underscores the need for Ohio to lead by example in allocating that growth statewide while avoiding the water scarcity that our friends to the west encounter.
Investing in industrial water recycling technologies ensures the longevity of manufacturing and technology sectors, two pillars of Ohio’s economy. These efforts can attract businesses, drive innovation and create jobs, all while safeguarding the state’s water supply for future generations.
Water is key to Ohio’s future
Ohio will prove that innovative water policies maximize economic growth.
Policymakers in Columbus and Washington must prioritize this issue, incorporating water reuse into broader economic strategies. Ohio has the tools, leadership and momentum to build a future where water scarcity no longer hinders prosperity — and where, instead, responsible water stewardship enhances innovation.
It’s my hope that Congress will use upcoming tax legislation as an opportunity to support the type of rapid and responsible economic development that we are seeing here in Ohio.
By enacting an investment tax credit to support the scaling up of industrial water recycling, Congress can ensure that local economic development and water resource protection go hand in hand.
By embracing water reuse, Ohio can secure its place as a leader in both economic growth and environmental stewardship. The state’s future depends on it.
Kristen Atha is director of Columbus Water & Power.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Water recycling is a key ingredient for Ohio’s economic growth. Time for action. | Opinion
Reporting by Kristen Atha / The Columbus Dispatch
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