Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43210

Water Resources of Tuscarawas County

AEX-480.79

Christopher T. Zoller
Karen T. Ricker
Larry C. Brown

Water is a resource often taken for granted. In recent years, water availability and quality have become important public concerns in Tuscarawas County. The county's population of 84,090 (1990 census data) is predominantly a mixture of rural and urban, and 88 percent of Tuscarawas County households rely on ground water for their water supply. This fact sheet provides a brief overview of Tuscarawas County's water resources, and is intended to help increase public awareness and understanding about this vital resource. By understanding where water is obtained and how it is used in the county, residents can gain a better appreciation for their water supply. The water resources terminology used in this publication is included in Surface and Ground Water Terminology, Fact Sheet AEX 460, which provides a listing of generally accepted water resource definitions. Ohio State University Extension publications are available through all Ohio county Extension offices.

Precipitation

An average of approximately 40 inches of precipitation falls on Tuscarawas County annually. Figure 1 illustrates the average monthly precipitation for the county for the period 1961 to 1990. Based on this 30-year record, the average precipitation is 3.3 inches per month, with January (2.4 inches) typically being the driest month, and July (4.5 inches) the wettest. However, there can be extreme variations in some years and in certain months within a year. Such seasonal and yearly extremes may have serious consequences, and are not always apparent from the long-term precipitation information.

Figure 1. Average monthly precipitation (3.2 inches) in Tuscarawas County, Ohio (1961-1990); data collected at New Philadelphia.

Surface-Water Resources

Tuscarawas County lies in the Muskingum River Basin. The basin is the largest watershed in Ohio draining 8,051 square miles in a 24-county region. The Muskingum River proper, formed by the Tuscarawas and Walhonding rivers at Coshocton, flows 112 miles to Marietta where it joins the Ohio River. The 10 permanent lakes in the original Muskingum system include one in Tuscarawas County: Atwood Lake. Three dry dams in Tuscarawas County, located at Bolivar, Dover, and Beach City are used to impound runoff when downstream flooding conditions are anticipated. A generalized surface-water map of Tuscarawas County is given in Figure 2.

Surface waters are affected by the soil type and topography of the land adjacent to them, and the way humans use the land. Land use, such as residential development, construction, and agricultural production, can increase the amount of sediment entering a body of water. The type of soils in an area also influences water runoff because of the soil's infiltration and water holding characteristics. With some soils, rainfall is more likely to run off, while other soils allow water to infiltrate more readily.

The county contains approximately 364,160 land acres, of which 46 percent is farmland. Thirty-one soil types have been identified in the county and vary in drainage ability from poorly drained to well drained. A large portion of the soils are well drained. The county water acreage consists of about 1,812 acres of lakes, including the 1,540-acre Atwood Reservoir and 25 smaller private lakes, ponds and gravel pits ranging in size from 5 to 28.5 acres, plus many smaller ponds. The county contains approximately 527 linear miles of major streams and rivers [estimated from river basin maps, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Water]. In addition, 600 miles of county maintained ditches and numerous miles of privately maintained ditches are used for land drainage. This availability lends itself to many uses by both communities and individuals.

Figure 2. Surface-water resources in Tuscarawas County, Ohio (adapted from ODNR Division of Water river basin maps; illustration prepared by H. Landfried).

Ground-Water Resources

Ground-water resources vary considerably throughout Tuscarawas County. Most of the river and creek valleys contain permeable sand and gravel deposits interbedded with clay and silt. Sand and gravel deposits within Sandy Creek, Sugar Creek and portions of the Tuscarawas River Valley are capable of producing over 500 gallons per minute (gpm). In these areas, the aquifer is hydraulically connected to the river or creek. Yields of at least 10 to 25 gpm are obtainable from the sand and gravel deposits in any of the buried valleys in the county.

The bedrock aquifers located in Tuscarawas County are sandstones, shales, and limestones. In the northwestern quarter of the county, yields of 10 to 100 gpm are obtainable from the Lower Pennsylvanian and Upper Mississippian Age systems. Wells developed in areas of Wayne and Sugarcreek Townships have recorded yields as high as 350 gpm with special well development techniques, but are prone to high iron concentrations. Yields from the bedrock tend to decrease in quantity in both an eastern and southern direction. Wells located in these areas typically yield less than 3 gpm. An overview of the ground-water resources in the county is given in Tuscarawas County Ground-Water Resources, AEX-490.79.

The yield of a well will vary considerably depending on the age and depth of the well, well construction, the diameter of the casing, pump capacity and age, and more importantly, properties of the geologic formation. Specific information on ground-water availability and wells can be obtained by contacting ODNR Division of Water.

Where Does the Water Go?

Based on long-term weather records, Ohio receives an average of 38 inches of precipitation per year. These 38 inches move through a complex path called the hydrologic cycle. Of these 38 inches, about 10 inches (26 percent) become runoff, which moves immediately to surface-water bodies such as streams and lakes. Two inches are retained at the ground surface and evaporate back into the atmosphere in a relatively short period of time. Twenty-six of the 38 total inches enter the soil surface through infiltration. Twenty of these 26 inches go into soil storage and later are returned to the atmosphere by the combination of evaporation and transpiration (evapotranspiration). The remaining 6 inches of precipitation (16 percent of the total) have the potential to recharge the ground-water supply. Two of these 6 inches eventually move to springs, lakes, or streams as ground-water discharge. The remaining 4 inches either return to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration or are withdrawn to supply water needs. For further reading, refer to Ohio's Hydrologic Cycle, AEX 461.

Statewide averages applied to the county's average annual precipitation, provide a rough estimate of how many inches will result in runoff and how many inches have the potential to reach aquifers. Based on statewide averages of runoff and ground-water recharge, Tuscarawas County's 40 inches of average annual precipitation result in about 10.4 inches of runoff to streams and lakes, and about 6.4 inches have the potential to recharge aquifers annually. Values for particular locations will differ according to local conditions.

Water Use

Water use for each of Tuscarawas County's public water-supply systems is given in Table 1. For each water system, this table presents an estimate of the population served, water source, estimated daily usage and treatment plant capacity. The county's largest public-water system is the New Philadelphia system, which uses three wells for its supply. The Dennison/Uhrichsville (Twin City) system is the only public-water system in Tuscarawas County that uses surface water for its supply. Approximately 1,190,000 gallons per day (gpd) from Stillwater Creek are used for 4,000 household connections.

Ground water is a major water source for rural households in Tuscarawas County. Approximately 33 percent of all households obtain their water from private wells and developed springs. Based on an estimated usage of 75 gallons per person per day, 2,087,925 gpd from private wells are used. Additional private water uses include industry (1.05 millions gpd) and livestock use (0.16 million gpd) mostly from ground-water supplies. The remaining 67 percent of households use public-water supplies with ground water as the source, as identified in Table 1.

Some water users in Ohio must register their withdrawals with the ODNR Division of Water. Through the Water Withdrawal Facility Registration Program, owners of facilities capable of withdrawing 100,000 gpd (70 gpm) or more must register those facilities. Information collected through this program includes withdrawal capacity, ground- or surface-water sources, location and type of water use, and location of discharge points. The program is for registration only, and not for allocation or permission. Registered withdrawers file annual reports of their water use. This information helps planners at ODNR to determine the availability of water for projected needs and to better manage and protect Ohio's water resources. Documenting water use also provides official records for individual uses. For more information, contact ODNR Division of Water.

Water Quality

Natural processes and human activities affect the quality of our water supplies. Throughout Ohio, human activities contribute to both point and nonpoint source pollution. Point source pollution is the introduction of impurities into a water supply source (ground water or surface water) from an identifiable, known location. Examples of point sources can include industrial plants, power plants, commercial businesses, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Nonpoint source pollution also involves the introduction of impurities into a surface-water body or an aquifer, except the route is usually jnon-direct and the sources are "diffuse" in nature. A major portion of the sediment, nutrients, acids and salts, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and pathogens enter the state's water resources through nonpoint source pollution, affecting both ground and surface water. Examples include automobile emissions, runoff from parking lots, and runoff and drainage from agricultural fields, feedlots, home lawns and gardens, residential development, construction, mining, and logging activities.

Table 1. Water Use in Tuscarawas County, Ohio.1
Public Water System	Population Served	Primary Water Source	Water Usage (GPD)2	Treatment Plant Capacity (GPD)
Baltic	659	Ground Water	100,000	480,000
Bolivar	984	Ground Water	165,538	432,000
Cherry Ridge	78	Ground Water	10,000	N/A
Dover	11,536	Ground Water	2,473,000	5,200,000
Gnadenhutten	1,288	Ground Water	144,000	1,576,000
Midvale	1,200	Ground Water	205,000	388,800
Necomerstown	4000	Ground Water	530,000	864,000
N.Philadelphia	16,000	Ground Water	2,633,000	5,000,000
Strasburg	2,120	Ground Water	252,000	576,000
Sugarcreek	2,150	Ground Water	379,000	594,000
Tuscarawas	318	Ground Water	95,000	432,000
Wilkshire	3,025	Ground Water	275,000	792,000
Twin Cities	10,000	Surface Water	1,190,000	3,000,000
Zoarville	138	Ground Water	7,000	86,400
Ridgewood	88	Ground Water	30,000	31,680
Dundee	275	Ground Water	18,717	72,000
Other3	266	Ground Water	26,600	N/A
1 Estimates from Ohio EPA using adjusted 1993 data; information is based on data available at time of publication.
2 GPD = gallons per day.
3 Includes mobile home parks, and nursing homes; total treatment plant capacity figure not available.

Ground Water

As water moves through the different aquifers underlying Tuscarawas County, it dissolves the minerals contained in these formations and carries them in solution. Publication AEX-490.79 summarizes some of the county's natural ground-water quality aspects.

Human activities, such as agricultural production, domestic waste disposal, and lawn and turf care, may have some influence on the county's ground-water quality. In a 1987 study by Heidelberg College, 400 wells in the county were sampled for nitrate-nitrogen content, of which 246 (62 percent of total) contained nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in the range of 0 to 0.3 parts-per-million (ppm). This range is assumed to represent natural background levels. Seventy-two wells (18 percent) tested in the 0.3 to 3.0 ppm range; these values may or may not indicate human influence. The 60 wells (15 percent) that tested in the range of 3.0 to 10 ppm, may indicate elevated concentrations resulting from human activities. Only 22 wells (5 percent) tested at over 10 ppm for nitrate-nitrogen, which exceeds the safe drinking-water standard. The average test value for the 400 wells sampled was 1.95 ppm. Design, location, and condition of a well, combined with the characteristics of the soils and geologic formations in which the well is constructed, influence the potential for pollutants to enter the well. Bacterial counts are another indicator of ground-water quality. The Tuscarawas County Department of Health tests water samples for concerned citizens, and results of these tests generally indicate safe drinking water in the county.

Surface Water

Runoff and sediment from residential development, construction sites and agricultural lands may enter the county's streams and lakes. Also, runoff may carry other pollutants, such as lawn and agricultural chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers), effluent from septic systems, oil and gas from spills, and industrial wastes.

Through the Ohio Nonpoint Source Assessment and Water Resources Inventory, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and ODNR have identified 13,000 stream miles in Ohio that have been affected by nonpoint source pollution. Tuscarawas County contains portions of several streams and their tributaries that have been classified by the Assessment as being affected by nonpoint source pollution. Based on the findings of the Assessment and Inventory, the Ohio Nonpoint Source Management Plan has been implemented to help improve the quality of the state's waters. For specific information about the streams and tributaries listed in the Assessment and details of the Management Plan for the county, contact the Ohio EPA Southeast District Office (1295 Front St., Logan, OH 43138).

Overall, Tuscarawas County has a safe supply of water. County citizens have a major challenge to protect water resources from pollutants that could affect the quality of the water supply. For more information about nonpoint source pollution, refer to Nonpoint Source Pollution: Water Primer, AEX 465, available from your county Extension office.

Summary

Water availability and quality are important public concerns. Water problems can be both costly and inconvenient. While the present and future availability of water is good for Tuscarawas County, water is a precious resource that must be conserved and protected. We must all work together to maintain an adequate supply of good quality water.

This fact sheet provides information about the water resources in Tuscarawas County. For more information concerning water resources and drinking-water quality in the county, contact the Tuscarawas County office of Ohio State University Extension (219 Stonecreek Rd. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663). In addition, the following agencies may be able to provide information on other water resources topics in the county: Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District; Tuscarawas County Health Department; ODNR Division of Water (Fountain Square, Columbus, OH 43224); US Geological Survey (USGS), Ohio District (975 W. Third Ave., Columbus, OH 43212); Ohio EPA (1800 WaterMark Dr., Columbus, OH 43215-1099); and Ohio Department of Health (ODH; P.O. Box 118, Columbus, OH 43226).

Bibliography

Doane's Agricultural Report. 1992. Farm Water Systems.

Estimated Water Use in Ohio, 1990, Public Supply Data. 1993. USGS Open-File Report 93-72.

Gazetteer of Ohio Streams. 1960. Ohio Water Inventory Report No. 12. ODNR Div. of Water.

Ground-Water Resources of Tuscarawas County. 1989. D. J. Barber. ODNR Div. of Water. (map).

Hydrologic Atlas for Ohio: Average Annual Precipitation, Temperature, Streamflow, and Water Loss for the 50-Year Period 1931-1980. 1991. L. J. Hartstine. Water Inventory Report No. 28. ODNR Div. of Water.

Inventory of Municipal Water-Supply Systems by County, Ohio. 1977. Ohio Water Inventory Report No. 24. ODNR Div. of Water.

Inventory of Ohio's Lakes. 1980. Ohio Water Inventory Report No. 26. ODNR Div. of Water.

Monthly Station Normals of Temperature, Precipitation, and Heating and Cooling Degree Days, 1961-90, Ohio. 1992. Climatology of the United States, No. 81 (by state). NOAA.

Nitrate and Pesticides in Private Wells of Ohio: A State Atlas. 1989. Water Quality Laboratory, Heidelberg College.

Nitrate In Drinking Water. 1987. K. M. Mancl. Bulletin No. 744. Ohio State University Extension.

Nonpoint Source Pollution: Water Primer. 1993. R. Leeds and L. C. Brown. AEX 465. Ohio State University Extension.

Ohio Ground-Water Quality. USGS National Water Summary-Ohio. 1986. USGS Water-Supply Paper 2325.

Ohio Ground-Water Resources. USGS National Water Summary-Ohio. 1984. USGS Water-Supply Paper 2275.

Ohio Nonpoint Source Management Program. 1993. ODNR.

Ohio Population by Governmental Unit. 1991. Ohio Data Users Center, Ohio Department of Development.

Ohio Surface-Water Resources. USGS National Water Summary-Ohio. 1985. USGS Water-Supply Paper 2300.

Ohio Water Firsts. 1985. S. L. Frost and W. S. Nichols. Water Resources Foundation of Ohio, Inc.

Ohio Water Resource Inventory: Executive Summary and Volumes 1-4. 1992. Ohio EPA.

Ohio's Hydrologic Cycle. 1990. L. C. Brown and K. M. Coltman. AEX 461. Ohio State University Extension.

Private Water Systems Handbook. 1987. MWPS-14. Midwest Plan Service, Ames, IA.

Southwest Ohio Water Plan. 1976. ODNR Div. of Water.

State of Ohio Nonpoint Source Assessment: Volumes 1-6. 1990. Ohio EPA.

Surface and Ground Water Terminology. 1990. L. C. Brown and L. P. Black. AEX 460. Ohio State University Extension.

Time of Travel of Solutes in the Tuscarawas River Basin, Ohio, August and September 1974. 1977. A. O. Westfall and E. E. Webber. WRI Report 77-23.

Tuscarawas County Ground-Water Resources. 1994. C. T. Zoller, J. M. Raab, L. C. Brown, and K. T. Ricker. AEX-490.79. Ohio State University Extension.

Tuscarawas County, Ohio Soil Survey. 1979. USDA-SCS.

Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District Resources Inventory. 1986. USDA-SCS.

Water Resources of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. 1947. J. W. Cummins and E. E. Sanderson. Ohio Water Resources Board Bulletin 6.

Water-Ohio's Remarkable Resource. 1982. ODNR Div. of Water.

Withdrawal and Distribution of Water By Public Water Supplies in Ohio, 1985. 1989. USGS Open-File Report 89-423.

Acknowledgments

This publication was produced through the Ohio Water Resources Education Project, in cooperation with: ODNR Division of Water; Ohio EPA; USGS, Ohio District; and ODH. Project leaders are Larry C. Brown and Karen T. Ricker. Partial financial support for this publication was provided by these cooperating agencies and programs: Tuscarawas County office of OSU Extension; Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program; and the Ohio Management Systems Evaluation Area Project (USDA Extension Service Grant No. 90-EWQI-1-9018).

The project leaders express appreciation to the following reviewers: Lee Finley, Roger Fanning, and Rich Fouts (Tuscarawas County Health Department); James M. Raab, David Cashell and Leonard Black (ODNR Division of Water); Scott Golden (Environmental Health, ODH); Steve Hindall (USGS, Ohio District); Robert Burris (USDA Soil Conservation Service, State Office, Columbus); Jay Fleming (Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Ground Waters); and Larry Antosch (Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water). A special thanks to Ruth Eikenberry (Agricultural Program Assistant, OSU Extension, Coshocton County) for assistance in research and fact sheet preparation; Michelle Roby (Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Associate) for help in manuscript and illustration preparation; and Kim Wintringham, Associate Editor (Section of Communications and Technology, Ohio State University Extension) for editorial and graphic production.