Ohio EPA reviewing draft permit to authorize limited increase in data center wastewater discharge
News Clipmariettatimes.com·Waterford, Washington County, OH·3/5/2026
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing a draft general permit that would allow authorized wastewater discharges from data center facilities into Ohio's surface waters. The draft permit includes limitations on the type and amount of pollutants that can be discharged. Meanwhile, legislation has been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly to form a commission to study data centers.
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Gov: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio General Assembly
Ohio officials are reviewing a draft permit that would allow data centers to discharge limited amounts of wastewater into the state's surface waters. The permit, if approved, would be in effect for five years and include restrictions to protect water quality. Meanwhile, legislation has been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly to form a commission to study the environmental and economic impacts of data center development in the state. Ohio currently has 196 data centers, with the highest concentration located in Columbus. The proposed data center project in the Waterford area would use a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water usage.