Years of underinvestment have left many Northwest Ohio communities grappling with aging pipes, frequent main breaks, and the looming threat of lead contamination.
Northwest Ohio is facing a critical challenge regarding its water infrastructure. Years of underinvestment have taken a toll. While state and federal funding are on the rise, the region still has a long way to go to ensure safe and reliable water for its residents.
Evidence of Aging Infrastructure
The heart of the issue lies in the aging water systems that serve many cities in the area. Much of the infrastructure, especially in older locales like Toledo, dates back to the early to mid-20th century. Some pipes are more than a century old and particularly susceptible to leaks and failures. As a result, residents frequently hear news of water main breaks disrupting daily life.
Just recently, incidents in Toledo and Perrysburg forced residents to navigate road closures and adhere to boil advisories, reflecting the urgent need for upgrades. Shockingly, some water systems in the state experience water losses exceeding 35 percent, and predictions indicate that breaks could rise by 36 percent over the next few decades.
Moreover, many local water treatment plants are struggling to meet modern standards, primarily due to outdated technology. The Village of Delphos, for example, discovered that numerous water distribution valves were past their functional lifespan—a call to action for community leaders.
Health and Environmental Concerns
At the forefront of these issues is the risk of lead exposure. Approximately 650,000 lead service lines run throughout Ohio, marking the state with one of the highest contamination risks in the country. In Toledo alone, over 30,000 active lead service lines pose serious health threats, especially to children. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to significant developmental issues.
Beyond lead, aging pipes can contain a variety of contaminants, including asbestos, adding another layer of concern. Additionally, climate change and runoff pollution have exacerbated the problem, feeding harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie that can contaminate drinking water, as seen in the crisis of 2014.
The economic implications are equally daunting. Replacing and repairing infrastructure is no small feat; estimates suggest that Ohio requires more than $12 billion in necessary drinking water improvements. Unfortunately, local communities and consumers often bear the burden of these costs through higher water rates.
Addressing the Problem
While the challenges are severe, there are efforts underway to tackle these issues head-on. The H2Ohio initiative aims to enhance water quality across the state by funding projects to replace lead service lines, improve current infrastructure, and address failing sewage systems.
Additionally, the recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought federal support to Ohio for vital water system upgrades. In late 2024, the EPA awarded nearly $170 million for clean water and drinking water projects, which will significantly impact communities in dire need.
The Ohio EPA is also stepping up by offering low-interest loans to assist municipalities in financing critical water infrastructure projects. Areas like Bowling Green, Upper Sandusky, and North Baltimore have already benefited from millions in financing, enabling them to embark on much-needed upgrades.
Jones & Henry’s Efforts
Jones & Henry Engineers addresses aging water infrastructure through a combination of proactive replacement, rehabilitation, and modern assessment and optimization technology. We provide a range of services for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure to communities in the Great Lakes region.
Jones & Henry uses hydraulic modeling to help communities identify deficiencies in their water distribution systems, prioritize improvements, and design necessary upgrades such as water line extensions and reinforcements. We help communities evaluate the capacity of their sewer collection systems using computer models to simulate “what-if” scenarios for system modifications and replacements. For wastewater systems, Jones & Henry performs comprehensive data collection, including flow monitoring, smoke and dye testing, visual inspections, and camera inspections, to find problem areas.
As the residents of Northwest Ohio continue to face the repercussions of aging infrastructure, it’s crucial for stakeholders—from government officials to community members—to advocate for a stronger and more resilient water system. By leveraging our nearly 100 years of experience, Jones & Henry Engineers can support municipalities in enhancing their water management strategies, ensuring sustainability, and maintaining the integrity of vital infrastructure.
Resource protection.
Jones & Henry assists water utilities with developing resource protection programs tailored to fit the needs and capabilities of each community.
