Lenn Black, Environmental Specialist, Division of Water, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Karen Mancl, Professor Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering,The Ohio State University
Changes have occurred in industrial water use over the last 20 years. Older steel and rubber manufacturers have shifted their practices or have moved out of Ohio. Food processing is now a major water-using industry in the state. Manufacturers continue to adopt water conservation practices to save money. As a part of their water conservation measures, many industries are reusing water for cooling and irrigation.
Current industrial water users need water for a variety of activities. High quality water is needed for product and processing. A good example is the use of water in food processing and beverage production. High quality water is also needed for cleaning operations. Lower quality water may be used in cooling and irrigation at an industrial site. Water provided for the employee restrooms and food service areas must meet the requirements of a public water supply.
Industries draw water to meet their needs from two major sources. Some provide for some or all of their water from their own source. If this water is used to serve employees, however, the industry is operating a nontransient, noncommunity water system and is subject to meeting all regulatory requirements. Some industries purchase some or all of their water from a community water supply. It is not uncommon for an industry to do both. For example, they may draw cooling water from a well on the site and purchase water from a community water supply to serve the employees.
Large water users often expect lower water rates. Unfortunately, these types of policies discourage water conservation. Water rates must be considered carefully to recover the cost of producing and delivering water to an industrial user to maintain a viable water system.