Ohio State University Extension

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43210

Tuscarawas County Ground-Water Resources

AEX-490.79

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. This publication contains information about the ground-water resources underlying Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas County, AEX-480.79.

Much of the water resource and water quality terminology used in this publication is described in Extension Fact Sheets AEX 460 and 465. Extension publications are available through the Tuscarawas 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 originally was 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.

The most productive source of ground water in east-central Ohio, including Tuscarawas County, is the unconsolidated coarse-grained sand and gravel aquifers located in the Tuscarawas River Basin. Coarse-grained aquifers contain sand and gravel interbedded with clay and silt.

Although the Tuscarawas River basin lies beyond the glaciated portion of the state, meltwater from the glaciers to the north has deposited well-sorted sands and gravel in the bedrock valley beneath the river. This old valley contains as much as 250 feet of glacial fill in many places. These permeable outwash deposits of sand and gravel constitute the best water sources in the county. Large industrial and municipal supplies are available to wells by induced infiltration from the river. The amount of water available by induced infiltration depends on the mud and silt on the river bottom, the thickness and permeability of the sand and gravel deposits, and the distance between the well and the river. Properly constructed individual wells near the river may yield from 500 to 2000, or more, gallons per minute.

The most extensive aquifers in the county, in terms of area, are the sandstone and sandy shale formations. Sandstone formations in the northwest portion of the county can provide yields suitable for small industrial and municipal water needs. Contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Geological Survey, for information on Ohio's geologic formations (Fountain Square, Columbus, OH 43224-1362).

Well Yield

The actual 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 Ground-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. 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 (mapped by river basin, from 1959 to 1962).

Estimates of the size, shape, geologic make-up and yields of aquifers are being mapped county by county. Most of Ohio's counties have a completed map. The map presented in Figure 1 is a generalized representation of the water-bearing formations underlying Tuscarawas County (adapted from map by D. J. Barber, 1989). This illustration is based on a hydrogeologic interpretation of the well-log data from Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas County, Ohio (adapted from Ground-Water Resources of Tuscarawas County map, D. J. Barber, 1989, ODNR Division of Water; illustration prepared by J. Humphreys).

AREA A: Permeable Sand and Gravel, High-Yield Potential

Area A in Figure 1 delineates coarse, permeable sand and gravel deposits that occur throughout the Tuscarawas River and Sandy Creek valleys. These deposits are the most productive aquifers in Tuscarawas County. Yields of 500 gpm or more may be obtained from depths of 70 to 120 feet. Ground water obtained from these deposits in the extreme northeastern portion of Tuscarawas County are known to be of poorer quality compared to ground water found in similar valley deposits of comparable yield in other parts of the county. Figure 2 is a generalized cross section (referenced in Figure 1 as the line X-X') showing the relationship between the valley fill material of the Tuscarawas River Valley and the surrounding bedrock.

Figure 2. Generalized cross section of Tuscarawas County, Ohio (adapted from Underground Water Resources map P-10, ODNR Division of Water; illustration prepared by R. Roberts).

AREA B: Sandstone, Shale and/or Limestone

Located in the northwestern corner of the county, Area B denotes where wells are developed in the sandstone and shale. For maximum yields, wells should be developed in both systems. Yields of up to 350 gpm can be obtained by using special well development techniques, but are prone to iron concentrations exceeding 0.3 parts-per-million (ppm).

AREA C: Permeable Sand and Gravel

Area C delineates locations of valley fill material in the Tuscarawas River Valley containing deposits of sand and gravel which are hydraulically connected to extremely thick sand and gravel deposits. Well yields are typically 25 to 100 gpm.

AREA D: Sand and Gravel in Valley Fill

Ground water in Area D is obtained from localized sand and gravel deposits within the valley fill material that lies beneath some tributaries of the Tuscarawas River. Test drilling is recommended to obtain yields of 25 to 100 gpm. Wells that do not encounter significant deposits of sand and gravel may be extended to obtain 10 to 25 gpm from the underlying sandstone.

AREA E: Permeable Sandstone, Shale and Limestone

Wells in Area E are developed in the bedrock formations of either the Pennsylvanian or Mississippian age. Yields of 10 to 25 gpm are obtainable from wells installed typically less than 300 feet deep.

AREA F: Silty Sand and Gravel

In Area F, yields of 10 to 25 gpm are generally available from the sand and gravel deposits which lie beneath some tributaries of the Tuscarawas River. Wells not encountering significant sand and gravel deposits within the valley fill material may be extended into the underlying bedrock to obtain similar yields.

AREA G: Fine-Grained Sandstone, Shale and Limestone

Area G denotes locations in the county where wells are developed in the Pennsylvanian-aged sandstone, shale and limestone sequences. Yields usually range from 3 to 10 gpm. Well depths vary from 30 to over 400 feet.

AREA H: Clay Beneath Sand and Gravel

The possibility exists for encountering water-producing sand and gravel lenses in the clay-rich valley fill material located in Area H. Wells which do not encounter deposits of sand and gravel must utilize the underlying bedrock, which generally yields less than 10 gpm.

AREA I: Shallow Supplies with Low-Yield Potential

Area I represents much of eastern and southeastern Tuscarawas County. Meager supplies are developed in sandstone, shale and limestone with well depths generally under 200 feet. This is the poorest yielding area in the county; yields are typically less than 3 gpm.

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 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 monitors four wells (noted as Observation Wells TU-1, TU-3, TU-4 and TU-5 in Figure 1) in Tuscarawas County. These wells, along with other wells throughout east-central Ohio, are used to monitor the natural seasonal fluctuation of water levels in various aquifers. Observation Well TU-3, located in the northwest section of Dover, is 62 feet deep. Continuous water-level measurements were made at TU-3 from May 1960 to September 1982, and periodic measurements since 1982. Three additional observation wells are located in or near Strasburg. They are designated as TU-1, TU-4, and TU-5, and are 23, 42, and 100 feet deep, respectively. Continuous water-level measurements have been made at TU-4 and TU-5 since June 1960, and since July 1946 at TU-1. The lowest level recorded at TU-1 was 16 feet below land surface in January 1992; the highest level recorded was 6.6 feet below land surface in July 1969. The lowest level recorded at TU-4 was 10.8 in December 1991; the highest level was 4.0 in July 1969. At TU-5, the highest level recorded was 0.2 feet below land surface in January 1991; the lowest level was 12.8 feet in January 1991.

Ground-Water Quality

Various state and federal agencies have participated in programs to determine the ground-water quality in Ohio. For six wells in Tuscarawas 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 6. These sites are municipal wells.

The results from some of the chemical tests performed on these Tuscarawas County wells are given in Table 1. The chemical constituents listed are total dissolved solids, hardness (as CaCO₃), iron, manganese, chloride, sulfate, and fluoride. 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. All six of the Tuscarawas County wells listed in Table 1 contained calcium carbonate (CaCO₃, i.e. hard water). Three of the six wells have iron concentrations exceeding 0.3 ppm. Water containing calcium carbonate in excess of 180 ppm, and iron concentrations greater than 0.3 ppm, may require treatment for some uses (see notes in Table 1). Wells drilled into shale or limestone may produce water that contains objectionable quantities of hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor). In general, the probability of obtaining sulfur 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 the water at the time of sampling, which was not the same for all wells. In most cases, the data provided in Table 1 was taken from a water sample obtained just after the well was put into operation. Even though five of these wells were developed in the sand and gravel underlying Tuscarawas County, and these wells are in the range of 35 to 120 feet deep, some variation exists in the concentrations of each 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).

Table 1. Chemical constituents of selected Tuscarawas County wells1.
Well No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	WQ Std2
Well Depth (feet)	115	110	35	120	71	91
Capacity (gpm)	600	1000	250	2000	300	1000
Depth to Bedrock (feet)	ne3	ne	20	ne	ne	ne
Water-Bearing Formation4	SG	SG	SS	SG	SG	SG
Chemical Constituents5
Total Dissolved Solids	592	257	nt6	nt	612	482	500
Hardness (as CaCO3)	430	164	241	426	424	286	none7
Iron	0.08	nt	1.30	0.19	0.46	0.64	0.3
Manganese	0.05	nt	0.26	nt	0.28	0.37	0.05
Chloride	56	22	16	89	70	41	250
Sulfate	182	67	104	145	191	126	250
Fluoride	0.02	0.10	0.30	0.12	0.02	nt	2
1 Data on these wells taken from map by D. J. Barber, 1989; general location of each well is shown on Figure 1.
2 USEPA Secondary Water Quality Standard.
3 ne = well constructed in this formation did not encounter bedrock.
4 SS-Sandstone; SG-Sand and Gravel.
5 Units are parts per million (ppm). Comments as per Interpreting Your Water Test Report (1988); Total Dissolved Solids: Concentrations above 500 ppm may cause adverse taste and deteriorate domestic plumbing and appliances. Use of water containing 500 ppm is common. Hardness: Primary concerns are that more soap is required for effective cleaning, a film may form on fixtures, fabrics may yellow, and scales may form in boilers, water heaters, and cooking utensils. Iron and Manganese: Iron concentrations greater than 0.3 ppm and manganese concentrations greater than 0.03 may cause brown or black stains on laundry, plumbing fixtures and sinks. Metallic taste may be present which may affect the taste of beverages made from the water. Chloride: High concentrations may result in an objectionable, salty taste to water and the corrosion of plumbing in the hot water system. Sulfate: Concentrations in excess of 250 ppm may have laxative effect on persons unaccustomed to the water. Also affects the taste of water and will form a hard scale in boilers and heat exchangers. Fluoride: At concentrations greater than 1.5 ppm, fluorosis (mottling) of teeth may occur. USEPA Primary Standard is 4 ppm.
6 nt = not tested.
7 No USEPA Secondary Standard.

Summary

Tuscarawas 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 Tuscarawas County have the potential to provide excellent water adequate for domestic and agricultural uses, and many industrial and 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 provided 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 Tuscarawas County office of Ohio State University Extension can provide other publications on the county's water resources. Your Extension agent, the Tuscarawas County Health Department, and Ohio EPA (Southeast District Office-SEDO, 2195 Front Street, Logan, OH 43138) can provide information on potential ground-water contamination, well-water testing and drinking-water quality. In addition, the Tuscarawas County Health Department can help in the planning and development of wells in the county. The ODNR Division of Water-Ground-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 Tuscarawas County, and other information available through the Division of Water. This map is much more detailed than that given in Figure 1, and the Ground-Water Resources Section can provide detailed information on ground-water availability and wells. The USGS, Ohio District (975 W. Third Ave. Columbus, OH 43212), also provides information concerning ground water in Ohio.

Bibliography

Ground-Water Resources of Tuscarawas County. 1989. D. J. Barber. 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.

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. 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.

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

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

Water Resources of Tuscarawas County. 1994. C. T. Zoller, K. T. Ricker and L. C. Brown. AEX-480.79. 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, Tuscarawas County; Tuscarawas County Commissioners; 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 acknowledge the following reviewers: Lee Finley, Roger Fanning and Rich Fouts (Tuscarawas County Health Department); Scott Golden (Environmental Health, ODH); Steve Hindall (USGS, Ohio District); and Michael B. Preston (Ohio EPA, SEDO). A special thanks to Ruth Eikenberry (Agricultural Program Assistant, OSU Extension, Coshocton County) for assistance in research and manuscript preparation, to Michelle Roby, Ross Roberts, and John Humphreys (Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Assistants) for help in illustration and manuscript preparation, and Kim Wintringham, Associate Editor (Section of Communications and Technology, Ohio State University Extension), for editorial and graphic production.