Ohio Water Partnership

The Ohio Water Partnership had the privilege of participating in the 2024 Ohio River Way Summit! ?? This incredible event brought together leaders, advocates, and visionaries to discuss the future of the Ohio River corridor and its surrounding communities. From promoting recreation and tourism to driving environmental stewardship and economic development, the Summit highlighted the vital role the Ohio River plays in our region. We heard inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and passionate discussions about protecting and enhancing this essential waterway for generations to come. Huge thanks to the Ohio River Way for hosting such a dynamic and impactful summit!

We welcome our newest member, American Structurepoint Inc., to the Ohio Water Partnership family! We are thrilled to welcome American Structurepoint, INC. to the Ohio Water Partnership! Their commitment to innovative engineering solutions, especially in water infrastructure, aligns perfectly with our mission to protect and enhance Ohio's water resources. With their expertise in transportation, environmental services, and water management, we’re excited to collaborate on advancing sustainable solutions for Ohio’s future. Join us in celebrating this new partnership as we work together to safeguard Ohio’s water resources for generations to come!

Time’s running out to grab your spot at the 2024 Ohio Surface Water Policy Conference! With early bird pricing ending this Friday, now’s the time to secure your place. Join us October 30-31 in Columbus for two days packed with meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and keynotes from Ohio’s leading voices in water policy. Hear directly from Mark Johnson (Ohio EPA), Kenny McDonald (Columbus Partnership), Anne Vogel (Ohio EPA), Mary Mertz (ODNR), and Brian Baldridge (Ohio Dept. of Agriculture) as they dive into the future of H2Ohio and Lake Erie water quality. Whether you're passionate about water conservation, policy, or Ohio’s environmental future, this is your chance to make an impact alongside industry experts. Don’t miss out—register today!

The Greater Cincinnati community of Hillsboro is facing a severe drought that’s causing water shortages, affecting local businesses and residents alike. With emergency restrictions in place and reservoirs running low, this situation brings the necessity of robust water management and conservation to the forefront. ?? Read more about how the community is navigating this crisis and what’s being done to mitigate the impacts: https://lnkd.in/g6enS_6q

We are thrilled to welcome our newest member, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio (ACEC Ohio), to the Ohio Water Partnership family! ACEC Ohio represents over 130 engineering companies dedicated to shaping a better future for our state. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to protect and preserve Ohio’s water resources. Together, we hope to dive deeper into collaborative projects, promoting best practices, and advocating for policies that ensure clean, safe water for all Ohioans. ?? Welcome, ACEC Ohio! We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to the great things we will accomplish together.

Last week, OWP's Jim Samuel had the privilege of joining a dynamic panel discussion on “Blue Gold: Ohio’s Water Advantage” at the 2024 Ohio Economic Development Association Summit. This incredible event brought together some of the brightest minds focused on driving Ohio's innovation economy and sustainable growth across the state. ?? Jim was honored to sit alongside Craig Butler, Joe Cappel, Bill Dingus, and Bryan Stubbs. Together, they shared insights on how Ohio's water resources can power our future. The summit was packed with thought-provoking sessions, networking, and keynote speakers that inspired new ideas for inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability. ?? It was an exciting moment for all involved, and we’re proud to be part of the conversation shaping Ohio’s economic future!

Improving water quality in Ohio is more than a goal; it's a collective mission. Recent efforts from Northwest Ohio farmers, businesses, and organizations are creating a ripple effect of positive change. By adopting innovative farming practices, enhancing conservation efforts, and building strong community partnerships, we're seeing tangible results in reducing nutrient runoff and protecting our waterways. It's inspiring to witness the power of collaboration at work to ensure cleaner, healthier water for everyone. Let's keep the momentum going! ?? ?? Full article - https://lnkd.in/g_uDduUv

?? Congratulations to the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) for receiving national recognition from the Water Workforce Coalition for their efforts in advancing the next generation of water and wastewater workers! ???? At the Ohio Water Partnership, we’re inspired by TMACOG’s commitment to building a skilled water workforce that will protect and preserve our water resources for years to come. By investing in education and workforce development, we ensure a stronger, more sustainable future for Ohio's water. Let’s continue to support and celebrate programs that empower the next generation of water professionals! Read more about this achievement here: https://lnkd.in/dN4PkHhA

New Ohio Bill Promotes Water Safety Education in Schools! ?? The Ohio House of Representatives has introduced House Bill 659, aiming to enhance water safety education for students across the state. Sponsored by Representatives Adam Mathews (R), Brian Lorenz (R), and Josh Williams (R), this bill targets the 2025-2026 school year for implementation.? Key Highlights: ??♂? Focus on Water Safety: Schools will be required to inform parents and families about the importance of water safety education and swimming lessons during student enrollment. ? Age-Appropriate Information: Details provided will be tailored to different age groups and emphasize the life-saving benefits of water safety courses. ?? Access to Local Resources: Schools will offer information on local water safety courses and swimming lessons, including options for free or reduced-price programs. ???? Direct Access for Older Students: Students aged 18+ and in adult education programs will receive the information directly. This initiative aims to promote safety around water, reducing the risk of injury or drowning for Ohio's youth. Let's make water safety a priority! ?? Learn more about how this initiative could impact you and your family - https://lnkd.in/gGS2NNRj

Earlier this summer, we joined local leaders from Northwestern Ohio for an eye-opening tour of the Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory. The focus of the visit was the ongoing efforts to understand and protect the Western Basin of Lake Erie, an area heavily impacted by harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten both our environment and economy. We engaged with experts to discuss the root causes of these algal blooms, particularly the nutrient runoff from agriculture and urban development. The Stone Lab, located on Gibraltar Island, serves as a critical research and educational center, providing hands-on experiences and data to address these pressing freshwater issues. The tour also offered insights into the diverse aquatic life of Lake Erie, reinforcing the need to maintain a balanced ecosystem. The Ohio Water Partnership's involvement in this tour highlights our?dedication to tackling water quality challenges and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. This initiative represents a crucial step toward safeguarding Ohio’s waterways for the future!