Ohio's water is one of its most valuable resources—critical for the state's health, environment, and economy.

From reducing toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie to improving aging sewer and pipe systems and addressing polluted runoff, the stakes are immense. H2Ohio—a bipartisan clean water initiative launched in 2019—has made clear progress through collaboration with farmers, conservationists, and local governments.

But a budget reduction this year to the initiative of nearly 40% could slow or scale back some of these projects, prompting discussion among policymakers, environmental groups, and community leaders about the best path forward.

What's at stake isn't just clean water—it's Ohio's health, environment, and long-term economic future.

Featuring:

Dontavius Jarrells, Representative, 1st District, Ohio State House of Representatives

Paula Powell, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

Bill Stanley, State Director, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio

The host is Carol Kauffman, CEO, The Ohio Environmental Council

This forum was sponsored by Burgess & Niple, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, The Alliance for the Great Lakes, The Green Funds of The Columbus Foundation, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, The Nature Conservancy, and The Ohio Environmental Council.

The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation.

CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

Want to keep learning about this topic? Check out "The Last Drop: Solving the World's Water Crisis" by Tim Smedley, recommended by our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library.