Ohio Economists Back Water Quality Bonds for Public Health Benefits
Ohio economists support water quality bonds for public health benefits as Gov. DeWine seeks November ballot placement after legislature slashed H2Ohio program funding.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A panel of Ohio economists expressed support for proposed water quality bonds aimed at funding Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio program, citing public health benefits and reduced water treatment costs, though they remained uncertain about broader economic impacts.
The economists’ assessment comes as DeWine works to place bonds for his signature water-quality program on the November ballot, following significant budget cuts by the Ohio General Assembly last year.
Program Faces Funding Challenges
The H2Ohio program was established to combat summer algal blooms that have plagued the state’s waterways, most notably the crisis that shut down Toledo‘s water supply for three days in 2014. The multi-agency initiative focuses on improving water quality through wetland restoration and creating incentives for farmers to reduce agricultural runoff.
DeWine had requested $270 million for the 2026-2027 budget, but Republican legislators reduced that amount to $165 million. The cuts came as lawmakers allocated $600 million to the billionaire owners of the Cleveland Browns and implemented what the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy described as a “flat” tax system.
Agricultural Runoff Remains Key Issue
The program targets fertilizers and manure that feed algae blooms during summer months, particularly in Lake Erie’s shallow western basin. These nutrient-rich runoffs from agricultural fields have created recurring water quality problems that extend beyond the 2014 Toledo crisis.
While economists agreed the bonds would benefit public health and reduce water treatment costs, they showed more skepticism about claims regarding recreational and broader economic benefits for the state.
Ballot Initiative in Development
DeWine’s effort to secure ballot placement for the water quality bonds represents an attempt to circumvent legislative budget constraints. The initiative would provide dedicated funding for the H2Ohio program’s various water quality improvement measures.
The program’s wetland restoration components and farmer incentive programs are designed to address the root causes of algal blooms rather than simply treating the symptoms after contamination occurs.
