Ohio State, ADS launch stormwater collaboration

Ohio State University and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) have announced a new collaboration to support the university’s water management research, student learning, and campus sustainability.

As part of the collaboration, ADS is donating two state-of-the-art stormwater management systems for the Innovation District on west campus, along with a cash gift to install them and fund related research and teaching opportunities.

In addition to the product donation and installation cost, the company plans to support research and teaching opportunities that will use the larger of the two stormwater systems as a living laboratory for urban water management.

Potential projects include comparing the performance of the company's stormwater management system to water quality from traditional retention pond and exploring the possibility of tapping the water stored inside the system for irrigation. Part of the gift will also support the diversity and inclusion goals of the Engineering House Learning Community for undergraduate students.

The combined value of the product donation and cash gift exceeds $1 million. A video on the collaboration can be viewed below:

"The new collaboration with ADS will greatly improve the way Ohio State manages stormwater runoff from new development at Innovation District," says Kate Bartter, Executive Director of the Sustainability Institute.

The challenges posed by stormwater management is a powerful motivation for Advanced Drainage Systems, a supplier of drainage products for residential, commercial, agriculture and infrastructure markets.

"Our reason is water, whether in an urban or rural setting," says Scott Barbour, ADS President and CEO. "We are pleased to be able to help Ohio State manage stormwater runoff at its new Innovation District with this donation."

"Bringing together Ohio State's core assets like this is the equivalent of an academic trifecta," Bartter adds. "It really demonstrates what the university can contribute to our knowledge and application of sustainability solutions. This collaboration will not only make our campus more sustainable, but it will generate research and teaching benefits for years to come."