Ohio State University Extension

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43210

Muskingum County Ground-Water Resources

AEX-490.60-97

Mark Mechling
James M. Raab
Larry C.Brown
Karen T. Ricker

Water stored under the earth's surface is a plentiful, yet precious, resource in most areas of Ohio. Many human activities may affect the quality and quantity of this resource. However, the availability and quality of this resource are influenced directly by the properties of the geologic formations that hold water. The chemical and physical nature of these formations varies from area to area, creating a wide range of water yields and quality at different depths and formations. This publication contains information about the ground-water resources underlying Muskingum County. Its purpose is to help the reader better understand the factors that influence the quantity and quality of ground water. An overview of the county's water resources is provided in the publication Water Resources of Muskingum County, AEX-480.60.

Much of the water-resource and water-quality terminology used in this publication is described in Extension Fact Sheets AEX 460 and 465. Ohio Extension publications are available through the Muskingum County office of Ohio State University Extension.

Aquifers

Geologic formations (e.g., sand, gravel, limestone, sandstone) have the ability to receive, store, and transmit water. In general, if a formation is capable of yielding enough water to support a well or spring, it is called an aquifer. The material from which the formation was originally made influences its ability to store and transmit water. For example, sand and gravel allow water to flow through easily. By comparison, shale, which originated from compacted layers of mud and clay, generally allows very little water to flow through it unless the shale is highly fractured.

Muskingum County's most productive source of ground water is the coarse-grained, unconsolidated aquifer along the Muskingum River and Wakatomika Creek basins. This aquifer is primarily made up of permeable sand and gravel deposits with some mixtures of clay and silt within the deposit.

The most extensive aquifer in Muskingum County is a sedimentary bedrock aquifer formed of shaley sandstone, shale, and limestone. This aquifer is characterized by fine- to medium-grained sandstone interbedded with shale, coal, clay, siltstone, and thin limestone. It lies mostly in the eastern half of the county. Yields from this aquifer are generally in the 1 to 5 gallons per minute range. Aquifer recharge is limited because of the low permeability in the upland areas. Despite the low-yield potential, the aquifer is an important source of domestic water supply through eastern and southeastern Ohio.

The third aquifer type of importance is the sandstone located in the western quarter of the county. The common range of depth of wells in this aquifer is 25 to 300 feet, with yields of 5 to 25 gallons per minute. If this aquifer is situated favorably, it can be an important domestic water supply source. Sandstone aquifers have a range of units that are fine-grained to conglomerate sandstone, mostly quartz cemented by calcite, silica, iron, and clay.

Well Yield

The yield of a well, in gallons per minute (gpm), will vary considerably depending on the age and depth of the well, the diameter of the casing, well construction, pump capacity and age, and most importantly, properties of the geologic formation. The exact yield and depth of each well will depend on the properties of the geologic formation at the specific location of the well.

Ground-Water Availability

To support the development of ground-water availability assessments in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Water, maintains a statewide database of more than 700,000 well logs. The Water Resources Section of the Division manages this valuable database, which includes some information collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA). Since 1948, well-log information has been collected to increase the understanding of the ground-water resources in Ohio (since the early 1950's, well drillers have been required by State law to file a construction log of each new well). Geologists and hydrogeologists continue to study the state's ground-water resources. As a result, Ohio is one of only a few states that has been completely mapped for ground-water availability (each county has a published, county-specific, ground-water map).

Estimates of the size, shape, geologic make-up, and yields of aquifers have been mapped for Muskingum County. The map presented in Figure 1 is a generalized representation of the water-bearing formations underlying Muskingum County (adapted from map by A. C. Walker, 1992). This illustration is based on a hydrogeologic interpretation of the well-log data from Muskingum County and surrounding areas. It should be used only as a guide to understanding the ground-water resources in the county. The section below provides a brief description of the types of aquifers illustrated on the map in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Ground-water resources of Muskingum County, Ohio (adapted from Ground-Water Resources of Muskingum Çounty map, A.C. Walker, 1992. ODNR Division of Water; illustration prepared by Carlos Lopez).

AREA A: Sand and Gravel beneath Muskingum River Floodplain

Area A represents the most productive ground water areas in Muskingum County. Large industrial and municipal supplies are available from thick, permeable sand and gravel deposits beneath portions of the Muskingum River floodplain. Yields of 500 gpm or more may be developed in this area.

AREA B: Sand and Gravel in River Valleys

Permeable sand and gravel deposits beneath the valleys of the Muskingum River and Wakatomika Creek, illustrated as Area B, yield between 100 and 500 gpm to properly constructed wells. Exploratory test drilling in this area may be required to locate sufficient coarse water-bearing materials.

AREA C: Sand, Gravel, Silt and Clay in Valley Fill

Area C denotes interbedded and interlensed deposits of sand, gravel, silt, and clay yielding supplies adequate for light industrial, farm, and domestic uses. The thickness of these valley fill deposits ranges from 50 to more than 100 feet. Yields of 25 to 100 gpm may be developed in this area.

AREA D: Sandstone and Shale, Moderate-Yield Potential

AREA E: Sand and Gravel in Valley Fill, Moderate-Yield Potential

Ground water in Area E is obtained from valley fill containing sand and gravel deposits of limited thickness and extent. Wells not encountering significant sand and gravel deposits must be extended into the underlying bedrock. Yields of 10 to 25 gpm may be developed in this area.

AREA F: Sand and Gravel in Valley Fill, Limited Data

Area F denotes sand and gravel deposits where limited data suggest the possibility that ground water may be available from within valley fill. Otherwise, wells must be developed in the underlying bedrock and generally yield 10 to 25 gpm.

AREA G: Sandstone and Shale, Low-Yield Potential

Wells in Area G are developed in sandstone and shale formations. The average depth of wells is 150 feet, and these wells produce water adequate for domestic supplies. Yields are in the range of 3 to 10 gpm. Deeper wells, in excess of 400 feet, commonly produce salty water.

AREA H: Clayey Fill

Area 4-H denotes areas of fill material, as much as 50 feet thick, lying along portions of stream valleys. These deposits consist largely of clay with occasional thin lenses of sand or gravel. Yields of 3 to 10 gpm are possible, and may be adequate for domestic water supplies. Otherwise, wells in this area must be drilled into the underlying bedrock.

AREA I: Shale and Sandstone, and Shallow Fill over Bedrock

Very limited supplies are available from wells drilled into alternating layers of shale and thin sandstone in areas illustrated as Area I. The average well depth is 90 feet and seldom are yields more than 3 gpm. Well supplies in portions of this area may only supply meager yields whether they are developed in the shallow fill of stream valleys or in the underlying sandstone and shale bedrock.

Ground-Water Levels

The water level in any well does not remain constant, but changes in response to several factors. Rainfall distribution and amount may affect the ground-water recharge and discharge, and subsequently may affect the water level in area wells. Also, wells that are hydraulically connected to a stream may show fluctuations in the water level as the stream level changes. In some cases, depending upon the hydraulic properties of the geologic formation, the intense pumping of a well, or number of wells, may cause the water level in some nearby wells to be lowered.

The ODNR Division of Water, in cooperation with the USGS, manages a statewide network of water-level observation wells. The network currently consists of 102 State-operated sites equipped with continuous water-level recorders. Water-level data are collected to provide a database for scientists and water resources managers to learn about short- and long-term water-level fluctuations in various aquifers.

The ODNR Division of Water monitors one well in Muskingum County. This well, located in Zanesville, is noted on Figure 1 as Observation Well MU-1a. This well is 109 feet deep and was completed in the sand and gravel aquifer. Continuous water-level measurements have been recorded at this site since May 1942. The lowest level recorded on MU-1a was 37.2 feet below land surface in August 1954; the highest level recorded was 8.2 feet below land surface in January 1991.

Ground-Water Quality

Various state and federal agencies have participated in programs to determine the ground-water quality in Ohio. For five wells in Muskingum County, water-quality data were available from the ODNR Division of Water. In Figure 1, these wells are noted as Chemical Analysis Sites 1 through 5. These sites are either municipal or domestic wells.

The results from some of the chemical tests performed on these Muskingum County wells are given in Table 1. The chemical constituents listed are calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, chloride, sulfate, fluoride, and sodium. For comparison purposes, secondary drinking water-quality standards for these chemical constituents also are shown. These standards are established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for public water systems for aesthetic reasons (taste, odor, appearance, etc.), and are not enforceable. These chemical constituents do not pose a risk to human health (see notes in Table 1). For private wells, there are no legally enforceable drinking water-quality standards other than total coliform, which is an indicator of bacteriological quality.

Ground water, whether obtained from bedrock or glacial deposits, may require some treatment. In some areas, water containing iron concentrations greater than 0.3 ppm may require treatment for some uses (see notes in Table 1). Wells drilled into shale or sandstone may produce water that contains objectionable quantities of hydrogen sulfide gas (rotten egg odor). Hydrogen sulfide concentrations as small as 1 ppm can result in an offensive, rotten egg odor and taste. In general, the probability of obtaining hydrogen sulfide in objectionable amounts increases with the depth drilled.

The information in Table 1 can be used as a guide to what one might expect from an existing or new well developed in similar geologic material in the county. This information provides a general representation of the quality of water at the time of sampling. The data provided in Table 1 were taken from a water sample obtained just after the well was put into operation. Even though four of these wells were developed in the permeable sand and gravel near the Muskingum River, and these wells are in the range of 51 to 93 feet deep, some variation exists in the concentrations of these chemical constituents. Just as well yields differ, water quality will vary depending on aquifer properties at the specific location of each well. One should not forget that many human activities also affect the quality of ground water (see AEX 465).

Summary

Muskingum County's ground-water resources are valuable assets to the county's citizens and industry. The availability and quality of these resources are directly influenced by the properties of the geologic formations underlying the county. The productive permeable sand and gravel formations that underlie the Muskingum River and Wakatomika Creek valleys have the potential to provide excellent water adequate for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and many municipal uses. By understanding the physical and chemical nature of these resources, better decisions can be made about ground-water protection, management, and use. This publication provides an overview of the county's ground-water resources. It should be used as a guide, and not as a substitute for detailed information and professional advice when drilling a well.

Where to Get More Information

The Muskingum County office of Ohio State University Extension can provide other publications about the county's water resources. Your Extension agent, the Muskingum County Health Department, and Ohio EPA (Southeast District Office, 2195 Front St., Logan, OH 43138) can provide information on well-water testing and drinking-water quality. Your local health department and county Extension office also will be able to provide information about proper well construction and requirements for private water systems. For example, State law requires that each new well constructed must be cased to a minimum depth of 25 feet. The health department issues permits and inspects new well construction.

The ODNR Division of Water--Water Resources Section (Fountain Square, Columbus, OH 43224) is an excellent source of information on ground water. Some of the information in this publication was summarized from the map, Ground-Water Resources of Muskingum County, and other information available through the Division of Water. This map is much more detailed than that given in Figure 1, and the Water Resources Section can provide detailed information on ground-water availability and wells. The Water Resources Section has conducted ground-water pollution potential studies for three counties adjacent to Muskingum (Coshocton, Licking, and Perry; Licking and Perry are in progress). Although Muskingum County does not have a similar report available, some information in the Coshocton, Licking, and Perry reports may relate to portions of Muskingum. In addition, an educational video on ground water and a ground-water flow model are available for use upon request through the Muskingum SWCD (225 Underwood St., Zanesville, OH). In regard to constructing a new well, the Division maintains a list of the State's registered and bonded well drillers. Hydrogeologists in the Division may be able to provide you with a list of well drillers who are familiar with geological conditions in your area, and provide technical assistance on proper well construction.

An additional excellent source of Ohio ground-water information is the USGS, Ohio District (975 W. Third Ave., Columbus, OH 43212). The USGS has conducted and published a number of ground- and surface-water investigations in Ohio. Additional information on Ohio's geological formations can also be obtained through the USGS, and through ODNR's Division of Geological Survey.

Bibliography

Effects of Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation on Ground Water in Small Watersheds in the Allegheny Plateau, Ohio. 1985. M. Eberle and A. C. Razem. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4205.

Floods at Zanesville (Muskingum County), Ohio. 1964. G. W. Edelen, F. H. Ruggles and W. P. Cross. U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Investigations Atlas 46.

Ground- and Surface-Water Terminology. 1994. L. C. Brown and L. P. Black. AEX 460. Ohio State University Extension.

Ground-Water Hydrology of Strip-Mined Areas in Eastern Ohio (Conditions During Mining of Two Watersheds in Coshocton and Muskingum Counties). 1981. J. O. Helhesen and A. C. Razem. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 81-913.

Ground-Water Resources of Muskingum County. 1992. A. C. Walker, ODNR Division of Water. (map).

Interpreting Your Water Test Report. 1988. D. Lundstrom and S. Fundingsland. AE-937, No. 13-AENG-10. North Dakota State University Extension Service.

Long-term Effects of Surface Coal Mining on Ground-Water Levels and Quality in Two Small Watersheds in Eastern Ohio. 1990. W. L. Cunningham and R. L. Jones. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4136.

Nonpoint Source Pollution: Water Primer. 1996. R. Leeds, L. C. Brown and N. L. Watermeier. AEX 465. Ohio State University Extension.

Ohio Ground-Water Quality. USGS National Water Summary--Ohio. 1986. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2325.

Ohio Ground-Water Resources. USGS National Water Summary--Ohio. 1984. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2275.

Underground Water Resources (maps of various river basins). 1958-1962. ODNR Division of Water.

Water Resources Data, Ohio, Water Year 1995. Volume 1. Ohio River Basin Excluding Project Data. 1996. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Report OH-95-1.

Water Resources of Muskingum County. 1995. M. W. Mechling, K. T. Ricker and L. C. Brown. AEX-480.60. Ohio State University Extension.

Water Testing. 1988. K. Mancl. AEX 314. Ohio State University Extension.

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 Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Project leaders are Larry C. Brown and Karen T. Ricker. Partial support for this publication was provided by these cooperating agencies and programs: Ohio State University Extension, Muskingum County; Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District; Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program; and the Ohio Management Systems Evaluation Area project (USDA CSREES Grant No. 94-EWQI-1-9057).