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In 1949, the Ohio General Assembly created the Division of Water as a part of the newly formed Department of Natural Resources to collect and analyze Ohio's water resource data.
The division collects hydrologic data; develops ground water maps; conducts water supply studies; issues permits for the construction of dams, levees; inspects existing dams; operates the state canal systems; and administers the state floodplain management program. Technical assistance is also provided on ground water quantity management, water well construction, water-related engineering, and flooding and floodplain management. The Division also offers a variety of educational programs to promote wise stewardship of Ohio's water resource.
Canal Operations Program
The Operations Program maintains and operates the Miami and Erie, and Ohio and Erie canal systems. The staff assesses real estate, reviews land leases and water sales contracts, and inspects canal-related construction.
Contacts:
Central Office; Hung Thai, P.E., Program Manager (614) 265-6714
Miami & Erie Canal Office; Steve Dorsten , Supervisor (419) 394-5950
Ohio & Erie Canal Office; Ron Gray, Superintendent (330) 643-1370
Dam Safety Program
The Dam Safety Program regulates the construction, operation, and maintenance of Ohio's dams, and levees to protect from damages due to failure. This is accomplished through periodic inspection, new dam construction permits, and regulation of improvements, maintenance and operation of existing dams.
Contact: Rodney Tornes, P.E., Program Manager (614) 265-6737
24-Hour Emergency Number (614) 799-9538
Education Programs & Services
The ODNR Division of Water is Ohio's primary sponsoring agency for National Project WET (Water Education for Teachers). The division provides support and information on how to get a Project WET K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide, how to become a Project WET leader, and finding workshop leaders in your area. Additional education materials include on-line fact sheets, floodplain and dam safety workshops and presenters.
Contact: Lenn Black (614) 265-6758
Floodplain Management Program
The Floodplain Management Program provides advice and technical information to reduce the impact of flooding. Emphasis is placed on floodplain management and coordination of the National Flood Insurance Program. The staff recommends management strategies to reduce flood damage and promote the natural benefit of floodplains. It also serves as the state repository for flood data, coordinates efforts of federal, state, and local agencies involved in flood loss reduction programs, and assists communities in gaining and maintaining eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Contact: Christopher Thoms, CFM, Program Supervisor (614) 265-6752
GIS Programs & Data (Geographic Information Systems)
The GIS Program provides support and coordination of GIS data and projects within the Division. This program also ensures compatibility with Department and State GIS objectives and data standards. A listing of Division of Water GIS data, coverages, and planned projects is available on-line.
Contact: Paul Spahr, GIS Coordinator (614) 265-6724
Ground Water Mapping and Technical Services
The Mapping Program utilizes staff to create maps showing ground water availability. Map series currently available include; Glacial and Bedrock State Aquifer, Ground Water Potentiometric Surface, and Ground Water Pollution Potential maps using the DRASTIC System. The staff also conducts special projects to investigate the effects of nonpoint source contamination on ground water, help determine safe yields, and to determine effects on aquifers from significant withdrawals.
The Technical Services serves as the state repository for water well records and provides advice and technical information to ensure adequate water supply. The staff conducts technical investigations of ground water supplies for ground water conflict resolution.
Water Well log and Drilling Report; Log Searches and Log Filing
The On-line Well Log Search pages allow the public to search the 775,000+ water well record database; or they can request that a custom search for well records or sealing reports be conducted by DOW staff. Water well drilling contractors can file their well records directly into the DOW database using the on-line filing process.
Contact: Jim Raab, Supervisor (614) 265-6747
Contact: Jim Raab, Supervisor (614) 265-6747
Publications
This page has links for:
Listing of on-line publications; Currently in-print publications list and full publications list with availability information.
Contact: Cleve Brown, Admin. Asst.(614) 265-6740
Water Inventory Program
The Water Inventory Program continually compiles and stores precipitation, ground water, water storage, Lake Erie levels and streamflow data. The program maintains an observation well network that records water levels in wells throughout the state, publishes the Monthly Water Inventory Report for Ohio.
Contact: Dave Cashell, Supervisor (614) 265-6743
Water Planning Program
The Water Planning Program prepares community water supply plans, providing analysis of water system capacity, current and projected needs, and potential alternatives; addresses federal, state, and local drainage, and stream management projects; coordinates planning for interstate issues involving the Great Lakes and Ohio River; and provides technical assistance to local governments and private citizens concerning water rights and water management, and oversees the Water Withdrawal Facilities Registration Program.
The Water Withdrawal Registration Program tracks and reports water withdrawals from facilities capable of withdrawing at least 100,000 gallons of water per day. Facilities that fall into this category are required to register and report water withdrawals annually to the Division. Available on-line are: Withdrawal Facilities Registration Form; Temporary Water Withdrawal Facilities Registration Form; Annual Reporting Form, and Annual Reports.
Contact: Mike Hallfrisch, P.E. (614) 265-6745
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