About the Council

Originally formed on a temporary basis as an outgrowth of the 1993 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Water Resources, the OWRC was designed as a forum for policy development, collaboration and coordination among state agencies, and strategic direction with respect to state water resource programs.

Legislation signed on July 1, 2001 permanently established the OWRC in state law. This new law redefined the Council’s roles and responsibilities in order to strengthen its leadership and provide for greater representation by stakeholder groups.

The new OWRC membership is comprised of an Executive Assistant to the governor and the heads of nine state agencies: the Ohio departments of Agriculture, Development, Health, Natural Resources and Transportation; the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; Ohio Public Works Commission; Ohio Water Development Authority; and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Two groups assist the OWRC in pursuing its goals. The State Agency Coordinating Group, consisting of staff from the member agencies and the Executive Director of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, serves Council members in support and research roles. The Advisory Group, including 20 members appointed by the OWRC and 8 technical members representing a variety of stakeholder groups, advise the Council and participate in work groups to develop recommendations on water resource issues.