Staff hydrogeologists at the Division of Water frequently conduct research to further locate and define water resources in Ohio. These studies include the location of buried valleys, determining the hydrogeologic impact to private water wells from proposed coal mining permits, detailed aquifer mapping and aquifer pumping tests.

   Previous studies at the Division of Water have helped to locate major buried valleys in Ohio and provide information on their water-producing capacities. Several open file reports are available at the division on buried valley systems in Ohio. The State Glacial Aquifer Mapping Program completed in 2000 shows additional information on the location and aquifer characteristics of buried valleys throughout the state of Ohio.

   The Division of Water provides technical assistance to the Division of Mines and Reclamation by reviewing the hydrogeology of all applications for new coal mining permits in Ohio. This review process includes determining the effects of mining on water quantity to existing water wells in the mining area. A calculation of the aquifer elevation and the effects of removing a coal seam at a certain elevation helps define the hydrogeologic impact of the proposed mining. The Division of Water also provides technical recommendations on construction and monitoring of the new permit area.

   The definition of water availability in the bedrock aquifers in the state has been rexamined in the State Bedrock Aquifer Mapping Program. Previous studies of bedrock aquifers in Ohio have yielded a great deal of useful information. The most popular of the previous reports on Ohio's bedrock aquifers is Ground Water for Planning in Northwest Ohio, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 1970. This report is an extensive study of the carbonate rock aquifers of northwestern Ohio. Included in this publication are the well logs for 76 wells that were drilled for this project. Extensive geophysical logs of each test well add to the data collected. The detailed pumping test information included in this report further helps characterize the hydrogeologic properties of the carbonate system. Additional open file reports on other bedrock aquifers in Ohio are available upon request.

   The Division of Water continues to provide technical assistance to the citizens of Ohio on water quantity issues. For more information on special investigations at the Division of Water please contact:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Water
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. B
Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693

Phone: (614) 265-6740
or E-Mail dswc@dnr.state.oh.us