Lenn Black, Environmental Specialist, Division of Water, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Karen Mancl, Professor Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering,The Ohio State University
Planning for industrial development is tied to the water available both in quantity and quality. The nature of the supply can shape community planning for industrial development. A community that has access to large volumes of high quality water will be attractive to industries like brewers, bottlers, food processors, and energy producers. Many of the high-tech industries that so many communities wish to attract require extremely high quality water.
Industries have varying water demands. All industries need some water for employee restroom facilities. In addition, industries may use water in production, cleaning, or cooling. Water demand is expressed on a per employee basis.
| Industry | Water Use (gallons/employee/day) |
|---|---|
| Apparel and other textile products | 24 |
| Chemical and allied products | 1,068 |
| Electronic and other electric equipment | 216 |
| Fabricated metal products | 378 |
| Food and kindred products | 843 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 149 |
| Industrial machinery and equipment | 184 |
| Instruments and related products | 116 |
| Lumber and wood products | 651 |
| Miscellaneous manufacturing industries | 213 |
| Paper and allied products | 2,944 |
| Petroleum and coal products | 1,852 |
| Primary metal industries | 584 |
| Printing and publishing | 38 |
| Rubber and miscellaneous plastic products | 323 |
| Stone, clay, and glass products | 413 |
| Textile mill products | 512 |
| Transportation equipment | 235 |
Investing in water supply capacity and infrastructure is a difficult challenge for small communities. Many communities have set aside land for an industrial park. To effectively attract industries these industrial parks must have water service in place. The development of water service for industrial needs is no guarantee that industries will move to your community. However, if it is not available, an industry will move to where the water is. Attracting industry is part of a larger community plan where water supply is just one necessary component.