Governor DeWine Announces Expansion of H2Ohio Rivers Program

ZANESVILLE, OH – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made an announcement on Monday about the expansion of the H2Ohio Program.

H2Ohio is the state’s comprehensive, data-driven strategy to improve water quality throughout the State.

Since its launch in 2019, H2Ohio has primarily focused on replacing water infrastructure in low-income areas, the creation of statewide wetlands, and the reduction of algal-bloom-causing runoff into Lake Erie.

The new H2Ohio Rivers program will expand the program’s overall goals and will also focus on improving and maintaining the health of Ohio’s large rivers.

Anne Vogel, the Director of the Ohio EPA, said the H2Ohio Program is special in the way that it’s funded.

“It’s funded directly by the Ohio General Assembly, meaning it’s its own program with State funding.” Vogel said. “It’s not federal dollars or loans, it’s a really great opportunity for us to provide no-strings attached funding to communities across the state of Ohio.”

As part of the H2Ohio Rivers program, Ohio will become one of the first states in the nation to undergo a statewide survey to measure its large rivers for the existence of PFAS substances.

These PFAS substances are more commonly known as “Forever Chemicals.”

“What we’re talking about is testing the 29 large rivers we have in Ohio for PFAs contamination.” Vogel said. “It’s a whole category of chemicals used in all kinds of manufacturing. Most famously used by Duponte for teflon, it’s in our clothes and lots of other products.”

One of those 29 rivers that will have testing done is the Muskingum River.

Vogel said these “forever chemicals’ do not break down over time and they could leach into the soil and water.