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Mission Statement
To ensure the wise management of Ohio's water resources
Vision
To be a leader in water resource management by providing the highest quality
customer service.
Guiding Principles and Values
We commit to providing the highest quality customer service by adhering to these guiding principles and values:
- Ensure the highest level of protection for public health, safety and welfare
- Continually evaluate and improve programs, policies and services
- Use best available and innovative technology
- Promote public education of water management
- Provide prompt and effective technical assistance
- Faithfully administer regulations as mandated
- Promote resource management partnerships
- Promote professional growth and development through training and education
- Promote pride in job
- Provide a positive work atmosphere
Prior to the formation of the Division of Water, water resources of the state were managed through a series of established boards. The State Water Conservation Board was created in 1931 to survey Ohio’s water resources by collecting and analyzing ground water and stream-flow. In 1936, the General Assembly abolished that board and in 1939 created the Ohio Water Supply Board to address the need for water brought about by increased industrial demand. This board was transferred to the Ohio Department of Public Works in 1945 and renamed the Ohio Water Resources Board with expanded responsibilities.
When the General Assembly established ODNR in 1949, the Division of Water was created. Almost all the functions of the Ohio Water Resources Board were transferred to the new division. Over the ensuing years, new programs have been added, such as dam safety, floodplain management, the state canal program, water planning, and the water withdrawal facility registration program.
Main Purpose
The division has broad responsibilities for managing Ohio’s surface and ground water resources. The division collects hydrologic and water use data; collects and manages all water well log data; develops hydrogeologic 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 and abandonment, water-related engineering, flooding and floodplain management. The division offers a variety of educational programs to promote wise stewardship of the state’s water resources.
Priorities
- Dam Safety: Committed to meeting legislative mandates to inspect all regulated dams in the state, permit new dams, and approve repair construction.
- Canal Program: Coordinate efforts of the department, local communities and organizations to implement a management and development plan for the remaining sections of the state’s historic canal system.
- Floodplain Management Program: Ensure public safety by supporting reduced flood-risk development practices, and naturally functioning floodplains.
- Cooperative Reservoir Program: Re-evaluate the program, develop and implement strategies that align the program with our current philosophies.
- Ground Water: Continue to collect and analyze ground water data to promote the wise use of the resource.
- Changing Technology - Geographic Information System (GIS): Continue upgrading division systems and train staff to meet the challenges of providing improved services to our customers.
Significant Accomplishments
- Technology: In process of designing or implementing a number of major computerization (GIS) programs affecting the following operations: floodplain management, dam safety, well logs, canal real estate, and state-wide aquifer mapping.
- Canal Program: Successfully completed an extensive review with stakeholders and developed a management plan to guide the program’s future.
- Strategic Planning Initiative: Completed a strategic plan which lays the framework for the current and future direction of the division.
Advisory Board
Ohio Water Advisory Council, established in 1984, has seven members who meet quarterly.
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