Ohio State University Extension

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43210

Water Resources of Clermont County

AEX-480.13-97

Water is a resource often taken for granted. In recent years, water availability and quality have become important public concerns in Clermont County. The county's population of 158,161 (1992 Ohio Department of Development estimate) is a mixture of urban and rural, and 40 percent of the residents rely on ground water for their water supply. This fact sheet provides a brief overview of Clermont 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. 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 43.7 inches of precipitation falls on Clermont 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 3.6 inches per month, with February (2.7 inches) typically being the driest month, and May (4.6 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 (in inches) in Clermont County, Ohio (1961-1990); data collected at Milford.

Surface-Water Resources

Clermont County's largest watershed, East Fork Little Miami River, drains the northeastern to central section of the county. This watershed covers 320,000 acres encompassing five counties. East Fork Little Miami River flows into Harsha Lake (an Army Corps of Engineers formed lake) before flowing into the Little Miami River. The northeast corner of the county contains Stonelick Creek which flows into another large lake, Stonelick, before flowing into the Little Miami River. Numerous streams and their corresponding watersheds blanket the southern edge of Clermont County and include Nine Mile Creek, Ten Mile Creek, Twelve Mile Creek, Big Indian Creek, Bullskin Creek, and several smaller creeks--all of which drain into the Ohio River. The final major watershed, Cloverlick Creek, is centrally located on the eastern border of the county and flows into Harsha Lake. A generalized surface-water map of Clermont County is given in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Suface-water resources in Clermont County, Ohio (adapted from ODNR Division of Water river basin maps; illustration prepared by K.A. Weber).

Surface waters are affected by the soil type, geology, the topography of adjacent land, and the way people use the land. Land use, such as residential development and agricultural production, may increase the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering a body of water. Residential and urban areas contain many impervious surfaces, such as streets and parking lots, that increase the amount of runoff. The soils and terrain also influence the amount of runoff because of infiltration, percolation, 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 293,760 land acres (459 square miles), of which 40 percent is farmland. The entire county is covered by deeply leached glacial drift of the Illinoian age. Forty-one soil types have been identified in the county and can be grouped into seven soil associations. These soils vary in drainage quality from well drained soils on the Ohio River flood plains and valley sides and tops, to the poorly drained soils in the eastern part of the county. The nearly level and poorly drained soils that comprise the Avonburg-Clermont Association make up 33 percent of the county. The Blanchester-Clermont Association, another poorly drained soil association, represents two percent of the soil in Clermont County. These two associations represent a major portion of the land utilized for grain farming in the county. The Edenton-Eden and Hickory Cincinnati Edenton Associations, which make up 15 and eight percent, respectively, of the county soils, are well drained but are contained in steep to very steep hillsides and are limited in use for agricultural purposes.

The county water acreage consists of Harsha Lake, a 2,160-acre public lake, Stonelick Lake, a 160-acre public lake, and approximately 2,220 acres of small privately owned lakes and ponds. The county contains approximately 375 linear miles of major streams and rivers [estimated from river basin maps, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Water]. Approximately 27 miles of the Ohio River forms the county's southern border and approximately 14 miles of the Little Miami River forms the most northeastern border. In addition, county-maintained ditches and numerous miles of privately-maintained ditches are used for land drainage.

Ground-Water Resources

Clermont County's highest yielding aquifers are located adjacent to the Ohio River and the Little Miami River. Wells in these permeable sand and gravel deposits are capable of yielding as much as 800 gallons per minute (gpm) where recharge is available from the river. The second highest yielding aquifer is located along the East Fork Little Miami River. This valley fill aquifer contains sand and gravel deposits of limited thickness and extent. Yields in this aquifer can range between 10 to 20 gpm.

The majority of aquifers in Clermont County are poor sources of ground water. The bedrock consists of interbedded plastic shales and thin limestone layers and seldom yield more than 3 gpm. The glacial cover ranges from 20 to 50 feet thick and is mainly clay. An overview of the ground-water resources in the county is given in Clermont County Ground-Water Resources, AEX-490.13.

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 the ODNR Division of Water.

Where Does the Water Go?

Based on long-term statewide 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 like 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 may result in runoff and how many inches have the potential to reach aquifers. Based on statewide averages of runoff and ground-water recharge, Clermont County's 43.7 inches of average annual precipitation result in about 11 inches of runoff to streams and lakes, and about 7 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 Clermont 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 Clermont County Water System, which uses surface water and 25 wells to supply nearly 54 percent of the county's population. Practically all of the public water systems in Clermont County are supplied by ground water.

Ground water is a major water source for rural households in Clermont County and approximately four percent of the population obtains their water from private wells. Based on an estimated usage of 75 gallons per person per day, 400,500 gallons per day (gpd) from private wells are used. Additional private water uses include industry (400,000 gpd), livestock use (100,000 gpd), and irrigation (60,000 gpd), mostly from ground-water supplies. In addition, a fossil-fuel power plant withdraws 114,670,000 gpd mostly from the Ohio River. The remaining households use public water supplies, 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, type of water sources, location and 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 the ODNR Division of Water.

Water Quality

Human activities and natural processes 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 water (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 non-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 pollution sources, 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.

Natural processes such as precipitation also have an impact on surface water and, to a lesser extent, ground water. For example, rainfall that is acidic ("acid rain") may alter the quality of a stream, lake, or other water resource that receives the rainfall.

Ground Water

As water moves through the sand and gravel underlying Clermont County, it dissolves the minerals contained in these formations and carries them in solution. Publication AEX-490.13 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, 85 wells in the county were sampled for nitrate-nitrogen content, an indicator of water quality. Results showed that 20 wells (24 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. Fifty-six wells (66 percent) tested in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 ppm, values that may or may not indicate human influence. The eight wells (9 percent) that tested in the range of 3.0 to 10 ppm, may indicate elevated concentrations resulting from human activities. Only 1 well tested at over the safe drinking-water standard of 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen. The average nitrate-nitrogen concentration for the 85 wells tested was 1.63 ppm. The 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. The Clermont County Department of Health provides bacteriological water sampling for local citizens, and results of these tests generally indicate that the water meets current bacteriological standards. For more information contact the county health department (2400 Clermont Center Road, Suite 203, Batavia, OH 45103; 513-732-7499).

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 pollutants such as lawn and agricultural chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers), 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) has identified 13,000 stream miles in Ohio that have been affected by nonpoint source pollution. Based on the findings of the Assessment and Inventory, the Ohio Nonpoint Source Management Program has been implemented to help improve the quality of the state's waters.

Water quality monitoring indicates that all or parts of the following Clermont County streams are affected by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution: Shayler Run, and East Fork Little Miami River (East Fork Lake). These streams are affected by one or more of the following NPS pollution categories: agriculture, urban runoff, dredging, dam construction, and streambank modification. Other county streams are affected by point source pollution (municipal and/or industrial wastewater). Point source affected streams include: Bear Creek, East Fork Little Miami (Howard Run to Todd Run; and Stonelick Creek to Little Miami River), and Little Miami River (Turtle Creek to East Fork Little Miami River). Clermont County also contains streams that have good water quality and are attaining chemical and biological water quality strandards. Monitoring has shown that all or parts of the following streams have good water quality: Ten Mile Creek, Bullskin Creek, Sugar Camp Run, East Fork Little Miami River (East Fork Lake to Stonelick Creek) and O'Bannon Creek. For specific information about the streams listed in the Assessment and Inventory documents, and details about the Nonpoint Source Management Program for the county, contact the Ohio EPA Southwest District Office (401 East Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402-2911). Information about nonpoint source pollution is also discussed in Nonpoint Source Pollution: Water Primer, AEX 465, available from your county Extension office.

It is important to note that as of June 1996 less than half of Ohio's streams have been evaluated by the Assessment. As water quality monitoring continues statewide, the list of Clermont County affected streams and streams with good water quality will change. Residents have a major challenge to protect water resources from pollutants that could affect the quality of the water supply.

Summary

Water availability and quality are important public concerns. Water problems can be both costly and inconvenient. While the present availability of water is good for Clermont 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 provided information about the water resources in Clermont County. For more information concerning water resources and drinking-water quality in the county, contact the Clermont County office of Ohio State University Extension (P.O. Box 670, Owensville, OH 45160), and the Clermont County Office of Environmental Quality (101 E. Main St., Batavia, OH 45103). In addition, the following agencies may be able to provide information on other water resources topics in the county: Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District; Clermont County Health Department; ODNR Division of Water (Fountain Square, Columbus, OH 43224); U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Ohio District (975 W. Third Ave., Columbus, OH 43212); Ohio EPA (P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049); and Ohio Department of Health (ODH; P.O. Box 118, Columbus, OH 43266).

Bibliography

1990 Census and 1992 Estimates of Ohio's Population: State, Counties, Cities, and Villages. 1994. Ohio Department of Development.

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

Clermont County Ground-Water Resources. 1997. S. McKee, A. W. Jones, L. C. Brown and K. T. Ricker. AEX-490.13. Ohio State University Extension.

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

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 Clermont County. 1986. A. C. Walker. 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 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. 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.

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: Clermont County office of OSU Extension; Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program; and the Ohio Management Systems Evaluation Area Project (USDA CSREES Grant No. 94-EWQI-1-9057).

The project leaders express appreciation to the following reviewers: Paul Brausch (Clermont County Office of Environmental Quality); David L. Spinney (Board of Commissioners, Clermont County); Dan Wylie (Adams-Clermont Solid Water District); A. Wayne Jones, David Cashell and Leonard Black (ODNR Division of Water); Scott Golden (Bureau of Local Services, ODH); Steve Hindall (USGS, Ohio District); Anthony J. Kramer (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, State Office, Columbus); Julie Gillenwater (Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Ground Waters); and Larry Antosch and Richard McClay (Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water).

A special thanks to Gayle Lykins (Clermont County Extension) for helping to prepare this fact sheet, and Kim Wintringham, Associate Editor (Section of Communications and Technology, Ohio State University Extension), for editorial and graphic production.