Dayton, Ohio – Montgomery County has announced a new partnership with Central State University (CSU) aimed at improving water quality, expanding environmental research and providing students with practical training opportunities.
The collaboration between Montgomery County Environmental Services (MCES) and CSU will focus on studying the county’s sanitary sewer collection system and finding ways to reduce excess nutrients entering the Great Miami River watershed.
The watershed serves more than 250,000 residents across southwest Ohio, making efforts to protect its water quality particularly important.
Researchers will examine the movement of nitrogen and phosphorus through the sewer system. Although these nutrients are necessary for plant growth, excessive amounts can damage water quality and harm aquatic life.
The project will also explore whether water containing these nutrients can be safely reused for agricultural purposes, including farming. Such practices could provide environmental benefits while creating opportunities for the local economy.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship and preparing the next generation of environmental professionals,” said Commission President Carolyn Rice. “By combining Montgomery County’s operational expertise with Central State University’s research capabilities, we can develop solutions that benefit both our community and our watershed.”
Students to gain practical experience while helping improve sewer system management
Central State University students will play an important role in the research by participating in fieldwork, water sampling, laboratory testing and data analysis.
They will help develop a detailed computer model of Montgomery County’s sewer collection system using geographic information system (GIS) data, field observations, laboratory findings and wastewater treatment records.
The model will allow researchers to study how water and nutrients move through the system during both dry and rainy conditions.
Information gathered through the project could help identify ways to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Great Miami River watershed while improving decisions about sewer infrastructure.
MCES technical employees will oversee the work and mentor participating students, helping them develop skills for future careers in environmental science and engineering.
The partnership also builds on Central State University’s designation as an 1890 land-grant institution under the 2014 Farm Bill. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture 1890 Land-Grant Program, the university supports research involving agriculture, food systems and environmental science.
“The partnership between CSU and MCES demonstrates the power of collaborative research, creating practical solutions that improve water quality, support better planning for wastewater infrastructure at the rural-urban interface, protect our environment and prepare the next generation of environmental professionals to serve their communities,” said Central State University President Morakinyo A.O. Kuti.
County and university leaders expect the collaboration to strengthen environmental planning while giving students valuable experience working on real challenges affecting southwest Ohio communities.
