The story of Bluffton's 187 million gallons of water
Icon note: Friday's chamber breakfast provided one of the most informative programs on a topic that affects everyone in Bluffton. We urge viewers to open the attachment to this story for more information.
Bluffton's H 2 O: where it comes from and where it goes.
That topic gained the attention of a Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce full house during its June 14 breakfast week.
Ryan Brauen of Wessler Engineering, told about how Bluffton’s drinking water gets into household taps. John Bowers, village wastewater treatment operator, told about how the village makes it clean again.
“Imagine the National Quarry on Jefferson Street filled with water to a depth of 20 feet, Brauen told chamber members. “Bluffton uses that much water – it’s 187 million gallons – each year.”
Bowers told the audience that 100 percent of the water that goes into the wastewater treatment plant also comes out of the plant.
To the question “How can you help?” Bower provided these tips:
● Don't throw trash in the toilet or down drains.
● Reduce unnecessary water coming to the plant, such as sump pumps and downspouts.
● Don't flush toxic chemicals, medications and oils.
● Have your septic system maintained and inspected regularly
Both presenters provide additional details about Bluffton’s water. A PowerPoint presentation below provides additional information about Bluffton water.
CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, October 23, 2026
- Village of Bluffton announces late afternoon drill at Bluffton Schools, October 23
- October 23 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Pirate volleyball eliminated in sectionals by Archbold
- Pirate boys soccer knocked off by Bath
- Main St. closure rescheduled; parapet work to take place Oct. 27
- Bluffton student to reflect on diabetes research experience
- Bluffton University receives $8,000 Stinner Summit award for youth agricultural and environmental education
- Elections matter, including midterms
Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 22
- ICAPP study: Ohioans strongly oppose data center expansion and tax breaks
- Pirate girls soccer ousts rival Allen East in sectionals
- Strawberry Fields Forever: Fruit polyphenols and brain health
- Last call for Bluffton Cars & Coffee for 2026
- Icon calendar gets a little more elbow room
- Bluffton Board of Education recap: Contracts for coaches and new bus driver
- Bluffton Lions Club update for October 2026
- Bluffton chamber photo competition display and reception announced
- Bluejays and buzzards catch the eye of this Accounting prof
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 21
- Village of Beaverdam requests suggestions for park grant application
- Charles “Chuck” Wendall Collins, 63, owned Eagle Press Repairs
- Dwain L. Leiber, 87, owned Leiber Garage
- Kimberly Dawn Murphy, 55, taught at Findlay City Schools
- Kaleidoscope Farms honoring veterans, thanking current troops, Nov. 8
- Filmmaker to preview documentary exploring life beyond incarceration
- ONU mobile health clinic at Senior Center on Oct. 28
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd. closure planned for up to three weeks
- Two Pirate volleyball players make 1st team All-NWC
- 3 Pirate girls 1st team All-NWC soccer
- Pirates dominate All-NWC boys soccer awards
- Local filmmaker focuses on memories made by people and places
- Bluffton Public Library: Medicare 101
- BHS artists prepare Yankee Doodle Christmas Trees for Jingle Bell Stroll
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 14-18
- Ada Icon headlines, October 19
- JessExpress Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties