Ohio State University Fact Sheet

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210

Water Resources of Fayette County

AEX-480.24-98

Water is a resource often taken for granted. In recent years, water availability and quality have become important public concerns in Fayette County. The county's population of 27,872 (1992 Ohio Department of Development estimate) is predominantly rural, and approximately one-half of the residents rely on ground water for their water supply. This fact sheet provides a brief overview of Fayette 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.

Figure 1. Average monthly precipitation (in inches) in Fayette County, Ohio (1961-1990); data collected at Washington Court House.

Precipitation

An average of 39.2 inches of precipitation falls on Fayette County annually. Figure 1 illustrates the average monthly precipitation for the county for the period 1961 to 1990. Based on this thirty-year record, the average precipitation is 3.3 inches per month, with January (2.2 inches) typically being the driest month, and May (4.7 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.

Surface-Water Resources

The entire drainage system of Fayette County lies in the Scioto River Basin. Except for a small area in the northeast corner of the county which is drained by Deer Creek flowing directly into the Scioto River, and approximately 200 acres in the northwest corner flowing into Caesar's Creek in the Miami Valley River System, the county lies in the upper reaches of the Paint Creek drainage system. The western part of the county from north to south is drained by Rattlesnake Creek and other tributaries to Paint Creek. The central portion of the county is drained by Paint Creek and its main tributaries East Fork and Sugar Creek. Except for the Deer Creek drainage mentioned earlier, the eastern part of the county is drained by North Fork and Compton Creeks and other small tributaries which join to form the North Fork Paint Creek. All areas of the county drain basically north to south. A generalized surface-water map of Fayette County is given in Figure 2.

Surface water quantity and quality are affected by the soil type, geology, the topography of adjacent land, and the way people use the land. Changes in land use, such as residential development and agricultural production, may increase or decrease the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering a body of water. Residential and urban areas contain many impervious surfaces, such as roadways 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 260,000 land acres, of which 95 percent is farmland. Thirty-two soil types with fifty-six different map units have been identified in the county and vary in drainage quality from very poorly drained to well drained. A large portion of the soils are of the Brookston-Crosby-Celina association which make up about 79 percent of Fayette County.

The county water acreage consists of about one-half of the 1,277-acre Deer Creek Lake and approximately 137.5 acres of small lakes and ponds. The county contains approximately 46.9 linear miles of major streams and rivers [estimated from river basin maps, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Water.] In addition, 51.6 miles of county-maintained ditches and numerous miles of privately-maintained ditches are used for land drainage.

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

Ground-Water Resources

Fayette County's highest yielding ground-water source is a carbonate aquifer composed of limestone bedrock located in the northeast portion of the county. Wells in this aquifer are capable of yielding as much as 500 gallons per minute (gpm) at depths of 250 to 350 feet. The principal bedrock aquifers in Fayette County are all of sedimentary origin. They are largely composed of dolomites and limestones, but some black shale is also present. The geological formations are comprised of consolidated layers of shale and limestone and the unconsolidated deposits of clay, sand, and gravel. Niagaran limestone bedrock is the primary source of ground water for the county with potential well yields of 100 gpm at depths as much as 225 feet. Thin to thick lenses of permeable sand and gravel interbedded in layers of clay comprise a very small part of the Fayette County land area beneath the flood plains of the various streams. Wells in these deposits may yield as much as 25 gpm. Relatively thick layers of clay interbedded with water bearing deposits of sand and gravel are found in the central and eastern parts of the county with wells yielding 10-25 gpm at depths of less than 100 feet. The final aquifer is one of shale-limestone bedrock producing wells yielding 3-10 gpm. An overview of the ground-water resources in the county is given in Fayette County Ground-Water Resources, AEX-490.24.

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, Fayette County's 39.2 inches of average annual precipitation result in about 10.2 inches of runoff to streams and lakes, and about 6.3 inches have the potential to recharge aquifers annually. Values for particular locations may differ according to local conditions.

Water Use

Water use for each of Fayette 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 city of Washington Court House system, which uses Paint Creek, a surface-water upground reservoir, and four backup wells for its supply. All other public water systems in Fayette County are relatively small (1 to 465 services) and are supplied by ground-water sources.

Ground water is a major water source for rural households in Fayette County. Approximately 50 percent of the population obtains water from private wells. Based on an estimated usage of 75 gallons per person per day, 1,051,000 gallons per day (gpd) are used from private wells. Additional private water uses include industry (348,500 gpd) and livestock use (297,600 gpd), mostly from ground-water supplies. The remaining households use public-water supplies 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 in order 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 (NPS) pollution. Point source pollution is the introduction of impurities into water (ground water or surface water) from identifiable, known locations. Examples of point sources include industrial plants, power plants, commercial businesses, and wastewater treatment facilities.

NPS pollution also involves the introduction of impurities into surface-water bodies or aquifers, 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 NPS 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.

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.

Ground Water

As water moves through the limestone and unconsolidated material in Fayette County, it dissolves the minerals contained in these formations and carries them in solution. Publication AEX-490.24 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, eighty wells in the county were sampled for nitrate-nitrogen content, an indicator of water quality. Results showed that seventy wells (88 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. Three wells (4 percent) tested in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 ppm, values that may or may not indicate human influence. The six wells (7 percent) that tested in the range of 3.0 to 10 ppm, may indicate elevated concentrations resulting from human activities. Only one (1 percent) well tested over the safe drinking water standard of 10 ppm nitrate-nitrogen. The average nitrate-nitrogen concentration for the eighty wells tested was 0.7 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 Fayette 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 at 317 South Fayette Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

Surface Water

Runoff and sediment from residential development, construction sites, and agricultural lands may enter the county's streams and lakes. 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 Fayette County streams are affected by NPS pollution: Paint Creek, Sugar Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, and West Branch Rattlesnake Creek. These streams are affected by one or more of the following NPS pollution categories: agriculture, channelization, streambank modification, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and in place pollutants. Other county streams are affected by point source pollution (municipal and/or industrial wastewater). Point source affected streams include: Paint Creek (East Fork Paint Creek to Sugar Creek). Fayette County also contains streams that have good water quality and are attaining chemical and biological water quality standards. Monitoring has shown that all or parts of the following streams have good water quality: Georges Run, Deer Creek, Compton Creek, and Paint Creek from Sugar Creek to Holiday Run. 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 Central District Office, 3232 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43207-3417. 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 1997 less than half of Ohio's streams have been evaluated by the Assessment. As water quality monitoring continues statewide, the list of NPS 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 Fayette 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 Fayette County. For more information concerning water resources and drinking-water quality in the county, contact the Fayette County office of Ohio State University Extension (1415 US Rt. 22 SW, Suite 100, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160). In addition, the following agencies may be able to provide information on other water resources topics in the county: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (1415 U.S. 22 S.W., Suite 500, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160); Fayette County Health Department; ODNR Division of Water (Fountain Square, Columbus, Ohio 43224); U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Ohio District (975 West Third Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212); Ohio EPA (P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049); and Ohio Department of Health (ODH; P.O. Box 118, Columbus, Ohio 43266).

Bibliography

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

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

Fayette County Ground-Water Resources. 1997. L. D. Lotz, A. W. Jones, J. M. Raab, L. C. Brown and N. M. N'Jie. AEX-490.24. Ohio State University Extension.

Fayette 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 Fayette County. 1990. J. J. Schmidt. 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.

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.

Water Quality Assessment of Rattlesnake Creek Watershed, Ohio: USGS Water Resources Investigation Report, pp. 9-17. 1979. K. F. Evans and R. L. Tobin. USGS, Ohio District. 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 N'Deye Marie N'Jie. Partial financial support for this publication was provided by these cooperating agencies and programs: Fayette County office of Ohio State University Extension; Fayette County Commissioners, 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: Layne Garringer (Fayette County NRCS District Conservationist); Joseph Burbage (City of Washington Service Director); Hugh Barnhill (Director of Environmental Health Services--Fayette County Health Department); 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 (Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water).

A special thanks to Kim Wintringham, Technical Editor (Section of Communications and Technology, The Ohio State University), for editorial and graphic production.