March 9, 2026
The Value of H2Ohio
Sometimes, you must study something to confirm what you already know. This confirmation can reinforce your own understanding and help convince those who doubt it. Our friends and partners at The Nature Conservancy recently did just that when they released H2Ohio and the Value of Restoring Watersheds: An Economic Valuation of Ohio’s Agricultural and Wetland Restoration Programs. The report confirms our efforts to protect Ohio’s waters have a high return on investment. While we know this, it is important to have the numbers to prove it, particularly for those way in the back.
Earth Economics, a non-partisan nonprofit specializing in environmental economics research, partnered with TNC on the report. The big takeaway is that in 2024 H2Ohio generated more than $330 million in economic benefits, hundreds of jobs, and additional tax revenue for cities, counties, and the state. The report makes it clear that there are immense benefits to having a robust H2Ohio program for the environment and the economy.
Some highlights from TNC include:
- H2Ohio’s wetland restoration program produced nearly $300 million in economic benefits from more than 180 projects over more than 11,000 acres.
- For every $1 invested in wetland restoration through H2Ohio, residents saw an $8 return in economic benefits.
- Each year, H2Ohio wetland restoration projects support more than 330 high-paying jobs, add more than $30 million to the state’s economy, and generate nearly $60 million in economic output.
- Restored wetlands provide $79-82 million in cleaner water and improved water quality each year due to H2Ohio projects.
- Nearly 8.9 million Ohioans benefit from improved water quality because of H2Ohio projects.
- H2Ohio’s voluntary best management practices for farmers produced $32 million in economic benefits for Ohioans and a return of $1.21 for every dollar invested.
- Farmers enrolled in H2Ohio kept 420,000 pounds of phosphorus out of Ohio’s waterways in 2024.
It is unfortunate that we have to put a dollar amount on protecting the environment to convince some to protect nature’s treasures. But when we do, we show that protecting the environment is good business.
H2Ohio took a significant cut in the last Ohio budget. We are determined to restore that funding and are working with great partners like TNC, the agriculture community, and industry leaders. As this report points out, H2Ohio protects our environment, helps our farmers, and grows our economy.
You can read TNC’s full report:
