DATA AND INFORMATION

The application of knowledge and expertise to safeguard and manage Ohio's water resources requires data and other information.  These are produced and compiled by various government and nongovernment agencies. 

The continued collection of longterm water resources data, effective management of the data and easy access to data and information have been identified as a strategic issue. Water resources data and information are critical to informed decision making by citizens, public officials, regulators, consultants, business and industry representatives. 

The result of not addressing this strategic need is increased cost, increased uncertainty and less than optimal decision making.  For example, the loss of longterm stream gauges impacts the accuracy of flood frequency data that can cause underestimation or overestimation of flood risk.  Either case can cost significantly in terms of dollars and at times the loss of life.

Objectives:

  1. Coordinate efforts to identify longterm data needs.
    Interagency committee
    Standards for data collection
    Cost/benefit regarding collection decisions
  2. Manage data/information on a watershed basis.
    Formats and systems integrated to share data and information
    GIS allow for data management by watershed
    State metadata set for water data, routinely updated
    1. Provide easy access to data and information.
      Web-based portal
      Link via the portal to provide interpretation and answers
      Data and information integrated between all levels of government and private sector  
Objs. Action (Program / Initiative) Indicator / Measure Agencies
Lead* and Supporting 		Resources
1. complete with existing
2. develop/identify to complete
3. new needed
3 Enhance OWRC web site with links to existing water resource data sets Number of links, agencies providing data, and databases

Web traffic including: hits, downloads, and secondary page hits		 ODNR*, All 3
3 Move metadata to OWRC web site Metadata moved to OWRC site ODNR*, USGS 1  
3 In conjunction with implementation of credible data law develop standards for water data by establishing and chartering a standards workgroup OWRC adoption of standard(s) for web site OEPA*, All 2  
1, 2, 3 Establish linkage between OGRIP and OWRC Regular OGRIP subgroup communication with OWRCSACG OEPA*, All agencies with OGRIP subgroup members 2  
2 Support the completion the high resolution National Hydrography Dataset for all watersheds within and flowing into Ohio. High resolution NHD is complete for Ohio OEPA*, All 2  
1, 2 Complete MCD Pilot Project to better understand and optimize water data collection systems in the Great Miami River Watershed   GIS coverage of all major water monitoring networks available      
Willingness of data collectors to implement strategy      
Willingness of data collectors to explore the funding ideas further		 ODNR*, MCD, OEPA, USGS 1  
1 Establish Water Data Monitoring Council Council convenes and establishes regular council coordination meetings and activities ODNR, All 1