More About the Division of Water

  The Division of Water has broad responsibilities for managing Ohio's surface and ground water resources.

   The division collects hydrologic data; develops ground water resource and pollution potential maps; conducts water supply studies; issues permits for the construction of dams and 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 offers a variety of educational programs to promote wise stewardship of Ohio's water resource. This document briefly describes the services and data provided by the Division of Water.

   The Division of Water, along with many state and local agencies, has a vital role in managing Ohio's water resources. 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 is divided into two sections, a WATER RESOURCES SECTION and a WATER MANAGEMENT SECTION.

Water Resources Section

   The WATER RESOURCES SECTION collects, quantifies, and disseminates data on the state's water resources. These data are used to assist the drilling industry, consultants, planners, the public, and local, state, and federal agencies with water development and protection activities. Data from well logs, pump tests, a network of lake, stream, well, and precipitation gauging stations are maintained to support mapping, conflict investigations, water supply management, delineation of ground water stress areas, and regulatory programs. Within this section are several programs.

   The Cartography/Publishing Program produces printed and electronic maps and publications for the division.

   The Community Water Assistance Program aids in the development and improvement of public water supply sources and executes contracts for the sale or lease of state-owned water supplies in federal, state, and local reservoirs, and in the Miami and Erie and Ohio and Erie canal systems. Program staff provide technical assistance to local governments and private citizens concerning water supply development.

   The Ground Water Mapping and Technical Services Program utilizes staff to create generalized maps showing ground water availability, detailed Glacial and Bedrock State Aquifer Mapping, and ground water pollution potential mapping using the DRASTIC System. The staff also conducts special projects under U.S. EPA nonpoint source implementation grants to investigate the effects of nonpoint source contamination on ground water. This program also serves as the state repository for water well drilling 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.

   The Water Inventory Program continually compiles and stores precipitation, water storage, and streamflow data.

   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.

   The Water Withdrawal Registration Program tracks water withdrawal. Facilities capable of withdrawing at least 100,000 gallons of water per day are required to register and report water withdrawals annually to the Division.

Water Management Section

   The WATER MANAGEMENT SECTION collects, evaluates, and disseminates information on development associated with the state's water resources to protect life, health, property, and habitat from damages related to structural failure or flood. Within this section are several programs.

   The Canal/Hydraulic 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.

   The Dam Safety Engineering 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. The staff has issued permits for the construction of 229 dams and levees since 1963 and has jurisdiction over 1800 existing dams. They develop emergency action plans for state-owned dams, provide assistance to dam owners in developing emergency action plans, and review and make recommendations for repair plans and specifications. The staff responds to emergencies and provides recommendations on emergency measures.

   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.

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