Ohio’s new ‘C’ infrastructure grade masks low marks for water, wastewater, stormwater
(UI) — Ohio’s infrastructure has inched up to a “C” in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 state report card, but the grades for drinking water (D+), stormwater (D+) and wastewater (C-) show the systems most critical to public health are still struggling.
“This report card shows that investments at local, state, and federal levels in infrastructure improves the economy, quality of life, and public health for everyone in Ohio,” said Charles Sawyer, P.E., chair of the 2025 Report Card for Ohio’s Infrastructure.
Aging pipes and funding gaps
Most of Ohio’s 6,000 public drinking-water systems and 1,000 wastewater plants have exceeded their 50-year design life. Aging mains are breaking more often, lead service lines are still widespread, and the state faces an estimated $16 billion backlog of clean-water projects needed to meet federal Clean Water Act goals.
Stormwater earned another D+, reflecting frequent flooding and combined-sewer overflows that are expected to worsen with more intense rain events. The report calls for new, dedicated stormwater fees and expanded green-infrastructure programs to fund repairs and improve resilience.
Overall improvement but water still lags
The composite “C” is one step above the “C-” Ohio received in 2021 and matches this year’s national grade. Six sectors improved, led by roads and ports, but the state’s water categories held their ground or slipped. Wastewater remained at C-, while drinking water and stormwater stayed in the “D” range.
Recommendations
The ASCE team urges Ohio to:
- Invest: Increase capital funding and tap federal IIJA dollars to modernize water networks.
- Improve resilience: Design drainage and treatment assets to handle climate-driven storms.
- Leverage technology: Adopt smart-water sensors to locate leaks and monitor system health.
- Expand capacity: Right-size plants and pipes to meet population shifts and new demand.
The 17-category report card is produced every four years by volunteer civil engineers.
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