Ohio faces uphill battle with aging water infrastructure, report card says – 10tv.com

Report on Ohio’s Water Infrastructure Challenges and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Ohio is projected to experience a 30% increase in extreme rainfall events by 2050, posing significant risks to the state’s water treatment systems. This report highlights the current state of Ohio’s water infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Current State of Ohio’s Water Infrastructure

1. Infrastructure Assessment

   The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a statewide infrastructure report card, assigning Ohio an overall grade of C-minus. However, the state received a D-plus grade specifically for drinking water infrastructure.

2. Aging Water Systems

   Many underground water lines in Ohio’s cities are over 100 years old, leading to frequent leaks and water outages. This aging infrastructure undermines the reliability of clean water access, directly impacting SDG 6.

3. Water Demand and Capacity

   Water demand in Columbus is expected to increase by 10-15% by 2040, necessitating expanded treatment capacity. Columbus is addressing this by constructing a fourth water treatment plant.

4. Stormwater Management

   Stormwater runoff remains a critical issue statewide. Columbus is investing $261 million in the Lower Olentangy Tunnel project to reduce flooding risks and improve water quality management.

Challenges and Risks

• Lead and Galvanized Pipes

  The presence of lead and galvanized pipes in water distribution systems poses health risks. Columbus is actively removing these pipes, but many communities lack the funding to assess and replace hazardous infrastructure.

• Financial Constraints

  Ohio requires an estimated $16 billion over the next two decades to upgrade drinking water infrastructure and enhance flood prevention measures. Funding remains a critical challenge, with ongoing advocacy for increased federal support.

• Consumer Costs

  Water user fees have risen at twice the rate of the consumer price index over the past 20 years, increasing the financial burden on residents and raising concerns about equitable access to clean water.

Actions and Initiatives Supporting SDGs

1. Infrastructure Improvement Projects
   • Construction of new water treatment facilities to meet rising demand.
   • Implementation of the Lower Olentangy Tunnel project to manage stormwater and prevent flooding.
2. Lead Service Line Replacement

   Ohio is actively working to replace lead service lines, employing inventory assessments, water quality testing, public education, and regulatory compliance to mitigate risks, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

3. Regulatory and Financial Support
   • The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors public water systems to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
   • Ohio EPA administers over $18 million in funding for water and wastewater projects and provides emergency loan funds for water system emergencies.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Ohio’s water infrastructure faces significant challenges due to aging systems, increased demand, and climate-related risks.
• Addressing these challenges is critical to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Increased federal and state funding, along with innovative technologies for infrastructure assessment and replacement, are essential.
• Continued public education and regulatory oversight will support safe, reliable, and equitable access to clean drinking water for all Ohio residents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses heavily on challenges related to drinking water infrastructure, water treatment capacity, and access to safe drinking water in Ohio.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Discussion on aging infrastructure, the need for investments in water treatment plants, and infrastructure report cards relates to building resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Concerns about stormwater runoff, flooding, and urban water management projects like the Lower Olentangy Tunnel address sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Projected increase in extreme rainfall events and the need to adapt infrastructure to climate impacts connect to climate resilience and adaptation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals, and substantially increasing water recycling and safe reuse.
   • 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • 9.c: Increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and vulnerable.
   • 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
4. SDG 13 Targets
   • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 6
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (implied by concerns over water quality and infrastructure).
   • Number of water treatment plants and their capacity (implied by construction of new water plants and infrastructure upgrades).
   • Incidence of water outages and leaks in water distribution systems.
   • Levels of lead and copper in drinking water (monitored through water quality testing).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 9
   • Infrastructure condition grades (e.g., ASCE report card grades for drinking water infrastructure).
   • Investment amounts in infrastructure projects (e.g., $16 billion needed for improvements, $261 million for stormwater project).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 11
   • Frequency and impact of flooding events (implied by stormwater runoff concerns and flood risk reduction projects).
   • Number and scale of urban infrastructure projects addressing disaster risk reduction.
4. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Increase in extreme rainfall events (projected 30% increase by 2050).
   • Adaptive measures implemented to address climate-related hazards (e.g., infrastructure resilience upgrades).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 10tv.com