From our Great Lake to the mighty Ohio River – and the many lakes, ponds, and streams in between – Ohio’s plentiful water resources provide drinking water, recreation opportunities, and a strong economy for millions of people.
Since OEC’s founding more than 50 years ago, supporters like you have been critical in our fight to protect and improve water quality for all Ohioans. Although Ohio is a water rich state, our waterways and our drinking water face a number of challenges such as perennial harmful algal blooms, pollution, and chemical contamination including lead exposure from outdated water lines.
About H2Ohio
H2Ohio is a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive water quality initiative designed to tackle the serious and long-standing challenges facing Ohio’s water resources. From harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie—driven largely by phosphorus runoff from agricultural fertilizer—to failing drinking water, wastewater, and home sewage systems caused by aging infrastructure, H2Ohio takes a strategic, statewide approach to protecting public health and restoring water quality. The program also addresses risks from lead contamination in outdated pipes and fixtures, making it a critical investment in Ohio’s environmental and community well-being.
Since H2Ohio’s launch in 2019, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) has played an active role in advancing the program’s impact and public understanding. Through advocacy campaigns, action alerts, video series, op-eds, virtual town halls, and direct Statehouse engagement, OEC has worked to educate communities and inform agency decision-making around H2Ohio’s implementation. In partnership with leading conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, OEC has also supported efforts to secure long-term, sustainable funding to ensure the program’s continued success beyond current budget cycles.
A key component of this work is collaboration with Ohio’s agricultural community. OEC helped found the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative (OACI), which operates as a subset of this broader effort to improve water quality. OACI brings together farmers, agribusiness leaders, and conservation partners to advance voluntary, science-based practices that reduce nutrient runoff while maintaining a strong agricultural economy. Through OACI, OEC helps foster dialogue, build trust, and drive forward solutions that are both practical and impactful.
H2Ohio Under Threat
H2Ohio took a significant cut in the 2025 Ohio budget. We are determined to restore that funding and are working with great partners like TNC, the agriculture community, and industry leaders. Looking ahead, OEC will continue advocating for strong investments in H2Ohio while prioritizing emerging efforts from the state agencies of which the program is administered by including Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio EPA, and Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Learn more about the financial benefits of the H2Ohio Program
H2Ohio and the Value of Restoring Watersheds report by the Nature Conservancy
