The growth of data centers and other businesses across Ohio has partners studying how to recycle and repurpose water in ways that support sustainable economic development.
“Water is gold in the West,” and an organization called WateReuse has been investigating the issue for decades, Tiffani Kavalec, policy director for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), explained to TMACOG’s Water Quality Council last month.
While companies with data centers or other large-scale operations may require access to large amounts of water for cooling and energy, it doesn’t make sense to use drinkable water that requires processing. Instead, they’re inquiring about the potential for using water that is treated and exported by wastewater plants.
While Ohio had 379 data centers across the state in 2011, that figure has grown to more than 1,100. Central Ohio faces challenges in supporting companies like Honda and Intel because they have no access to a large central water source like the Ohio River or Lake Erie, Kavalec said.
Ohio EPA is assessing its role in regulating the issue. While some national guidance is in the works, the recycling of water is not related to the federal Clean Water Act, and states will likely develop their own policies.
States like Florida have worked further ahead on directing recycled water for uses like landscaping maintenance. It’s not uncommon there to see a purple pipe with signage making sure people know to prevent their pets from drinking it.
Ohio created WateReuse’s first Midwest chapter about a year ago and is looking for ways to highlight creative and productive uses that can support industry. “We want to find these stories and tell them,” Kavalec said.
Public education is needed to address the natural stigma of finding beneficial uses for waste products, as well as a shift to terminology like recycling, reuse, and reclamation. “How do we rebrand that and make it more of a circular water use mindset?” she said.
Also at the meeting, Water Quality Council members nominated new leadership for the group in 2025. Melissa Hopfer, who previously chaired the council, is now working for TMACOG as a water quality project manager.
Northwood City Administrator Kevin Laughlin, who has experience as vice chair, will serve as the new chair. Mike Libben of the Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District was nominated and approved as a new vice chair.
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