Ohio State University Extension

Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43210

Hardin County Water Resources

AEX-480.33

Cindy Brookes
Gene McCluer
Kristina M. Boone
Larry C. Brown

Water is a resource often taken for granted. In recent years, water availability and quality have become important public concerns in Hardin County. The county's population of 31,111 (1990 census data) is predominantly rural, and virtually all households rely on ground water for their water supply. By understanding where water is obtained and how it is used in the county, residents can gain a better appreciation for their water. Providing a brief overview of Hardin County's water resources, this fact sheet is intended to help increase public awareness and understanding of water resources. 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 37 inches of precipitation falls on Hardin 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 3.1 inches per month, with February and October (2.0 inches) typically being the driest months, and July (4.1 inches) the wettest. There can be, however, extreme variations in some years and in certain months within a year. Such seasonal and yearly extremes, which may have serious consequences, often are not apparent from the long-term precipitation information.

Figure 1. Average Precipitation (in inches) in Hardin County, Ohio (1961-1990).

Surface-Water Resources

Water from Hardin County drains into both the Ohio River and into Lake Erie. To the north, water drains through the Ottawa River (Hog Creek), the Blanchard River and the Sandusky River (Tymochtee Creek) to Lake Erie. Flowing south to the Ohio River is the Scioto River and the headwaters of the Great Miami River, which flows through Indian Lake. A generalized surface-water map of Hardin 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 surface water because of the soil's infiltration capacity. With some soils, rainfall is more likely to run off, while other soils allow water to infiltrate more readily.

The county contains approximately 298,880 land acres, of which 93 percent is farmland. Seven different major soil associations are present within the county, the majority of which are Blount Pewamo silt loam soils, and are somewhat poorly and very poorly drained glacial till soils. The county water acreage consists of about 130 acres of lakes and 166 farm and residential ponds of 1.0 acre average size. The two largest lakes, Dunkirk Quarry (37 acres) and France Lake (50 acres), originally were used as limestone quarries. Most of the water acreage is used now for recreation.

The county contains approximately 297 linear miles of major streams and rivers (estimated from ODNR Div. of Water river basin maps). In addition, 210 miles of county maintained ditches and 87 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 Hardin County, Ohio (adapted from ODNR Division of Water river basin maps; illustration prepared by M. Trefz).

Ground-Water Resources

Hardin County's primary ground-water source is the carbonate aquifer composed of limestone and dolomite bedrock. Limestone is composed of calcium carbonate, while dolomite is composed of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Together they form a popular construction material that most Ohioans refer to as limestone.

Most wells in Hardin County developed in limestone/dolomite at depths less than 300 feet are capable of yielding up to 500 gallons per minute (gpm). Limestone/dolomite aquifers at depths of less than 200 feet may yield 25 to 100 gpm. Wells established in thin lenses of sand and gravel found in scattered portions of the county yield 5 to 20 gpm.

Some ground-water supplies, whether they are developed from bedrock or glacial deposits, have a high natural mineral content resulting in hard water. In some cases, treatment is desirable for domestic use. Varying amounts of iron are found the county's ground water, and objectionable amounts of hydrogen sulfide generally increase with the depth drilled. An overview of the ground-water resources in the county is given in Hardin County Ground-Water Resources, AEX-490.33.

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 Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Div. 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 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 will result in runoff and how many inches have the potential to reach aquifers. Based on statewide averages of runoff and ground-water recharge, Hardin County's 37 inches of average annual precipitation result in about 9.5 inches of runoff to streams and lakes, and about 6 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 Hardin 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 Kenton, which draws its supply from three wells. This is the sole water source for the City of Kenton, and the city provides water only for residential use and not for industrial purposes. Ada, which is the second largest public water supply, obtains its water from five wells and provides drinking water to Parkview Village North and Parkview Village South.

Ground water is the major water source for rural households in Hardin County. Approximately 37 percent of all households obtain their water from private wells. Based on an estimated usage of 75 gallons per person per day, almost 900,000 gallons per day (gpd) from private wells is used. Additional private water uses include industry (260,000 gpd), golf course and crop irrigation (8.4 million per season) and livestock use (290,000 gpd), mostly from ground-water supplies. The remaining 63 percent of households use public-water supplies with ground or surface water as the source, as identified in Table 1.

Some water users in Ohio must register their withdrawals with the ODNR Div. of Water. Through the Water Withdrawal Facility Registration Program, owners of facilities that could withdraw 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 helpsplanners at ODNR determine the availability of water for projected needs and better manage and protect Ohio's water resources. Documenting water use also provides official records for individual uses. For more information, contact ODNR, Div. of Water.

Hardin County also has five non-transient non-community public water supplies. Non-transient non-community systems are small public supplies, such as some schools and industries, that serve more than 25 of the same people for six months of the year. In Hardin County, 1,342 people are served by non-transient, non-community systems and the total usage is 23,775 gpd.

Table 1. Water Use in Hardin County, Ohio.1
Public Water System	Population Served	Primary Water Source	Water Usage (GPD)2	Treatment Plant Capacity (GPD)
Ada	5,600	Ground Water	509,000	1,088,000
Alger	925	Ground Water	229,000	288,000
Dunkirk	938	Ground Water	64,000	144,000
Forest	1,594	Ground Water	124,000	547,000
Hardin County Home	180	Ground Water	14,600	23,000
Kenton	8,850	Ground Water	1,310,000	1,790,000
McGuffey	574	Ground Water	50,000	216,000
Mt. Victory	575	Ground Water	42,000	216,000
Other3	258	Ground Water	25,350	0
1 Estimates from Ohio EPA using 1993 data, adjusted by Leonard Black, ODNR Div. of Water.
2 GPD = gallons per day.
3 Other - includes Hillcrest Estates and Taylor Creek Terrace Apartments, in addition to Parkview Village North, and Parkview Village South, both of which purchase water from Ada.

Water Quality

Natural processes and human activities affect the quality of our water supplies. Throughout Ohio, human activities contribute to nonpoint source pollution, through which a major portion of the sediment, nutrients, acids and salts, heavy metals, toxic chemicals and pathogens enter the state's water resources. Nonpoint source pollution is the introduction of impurities into a surface-water body or an aquifer, usually through a non-direct route and from sources that are "diffuse" in nature. This type of pollution affects both ground and surface water. Examples include automobile emissions, runoff from parking lots, runoff and drainage from agricultural fields, feedlots, and home gardens, and runoff and drainage from construction, mining and logging.

Ground Water

As water moves through the carbonate aquifer of limestone and dolomite underlying Hardin County, it dissolves and carries in solution minerals contained in the bedrock. Hardin County wells vary in hardness and sulfur concentrations but generally show greater hardness in the water than is typical in the state. AEX-490.33 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 ground-water quality in Hardin County. In a 1993 study by Heidelberg College, 16 wells in the county were sampled for nitrate content, of which 14 (87.5 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. Two wells (12.5 percent) were tested in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 ppm; these values may or may not indicate human influence. None of the wells tested above 3.0 ppm, the level that may indicate elevated concentrations resulting from human activities. Design, location, and condition of a well, as well as 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 Hardin County Department of Health tests water samples for concerned citizens. Results of these tests indicate that only one out of every four new wells tested negative for the presence of coliform bacteria on its first sampling. Wells that test positive usually are corrected after one shock chlorination treatment to the well and provide safe drinking water to the residents.

Surface Water

Approximately 1,500 tons of topsoil per square mile are lost each year from Hardin County acreage. This sediment enters streams, lakes and rivers and results from natural geologic erosion and human activity, such as residential development, construction and agriculture. Sediment also 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, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and ODNR have found that 13,000 stream miles in Ohio have been affected by nonpoint source pollution. Hardin 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 on results of the Assessment and details of the Management Plan for the county, contact the Ohio EPA Northwest District Office (347 N. Dunbridge Rd., Bowling Green, OH 43402).

Both the Indian Lake Hydrologic Unit Area (HUA) Project and the Lake Erie Phosphorus Reduction Program are working toward erosion control and water resource protection. The Upper Scioto River Conservancy District and the Hardin County Engineer's office, with input from advisory boards for the Little Miami River, Blanchard River, and Ottawa River, are working to maintain the quality of these rivers in Hardin County.

Overall, Hardin 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 Hardin 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 on water facts for Hardin County. For more information on water resources and drinking-water quality in the county, contact the Hardin County office of Ohio State University Extension. In addition, the following agencies may be able to provide information on other water resources topics in the county: Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District; Hardin County Health Department; ODNR Div. of Water (Fountain Square, Col., OH 43224); U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Ohio District (975 W. Third Ave., Col., OH 43212); Ohio EPA (1800 WaterMark Dr., Col., OH 43266); and Ohio Department of Health (PO Box 118, Col., OH 43226).

Bibliography

Central Ohio Water Plan. 1977. ODNR Div. of Water.

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

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

Flood of June 13-15, 1981, in the Blanchard River basin, northwestern Ohio. 1982. USGS. WRI Report 82-4044.

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

Ground-Water Resources of Hardin County. 1982. J. J. Schmidt. ODNR Div. of Water. (map).

Hardin County Ground-Water Resources. 1993. G. McCluer, C.A. Brookes, A.W. Jones, L.C. Brown and K.M. Boone. AEX-490.33. Ohio State University Extension.

Hardin County, Ohio Soil Survey. 1980. USDA-SCS.

The hydraulic properties of a dolomite aquifer underlying the village of Ada (Hardin County), Ohio. 1953. USGS. Tech. Report 1.

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.

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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.

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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. Soil and Water Conservation District Resource Inventory. 1985. USDA-SCS.

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

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Acknowledgements

This publication was produced through the Ohio Water Resources Education Project, in cooperation with: ODNR Div. of Water; Ohio EPA; USGS, Ohio District; and Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Project leaders are Larry C. Brown and Kristina M. Boone. Support was provided, in part by: the cooperating agencies; Hardin County office of OSU Extension; Hardin County Trustee and Clerk's Association; Ohio Northern University; Hardin County Chamber of Commerce; Hardin County Regional Planning Commission; Hardin County Economic Development Council; Hardin County Farm Bureau, Inc.; Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program; and USDA Extension Service grants Nos. 90-EWQI-1-9018 and 90-EHUA-1-0020.

The project leaders express appreciation to the following reviewers: Doug Deardorff and James Wade (USDA-SCS); Mark Doll (Hardin County Regional Planning Commission); Bradley Campbell (Hardin County Commissioners); James M. Raab, David Cashell and Leonard Black (ODNR Div. of Water); Scott Golden (Environmental Health, ODH); Steve Hindall and Ron Veley (USGS, Ohio District); Tim Fishbaugh (Ohio EPA Northwest District); Jay Fleming (Ohio EPA Div. of Drinking and Ground Water); and Larry Antosch (Ohio EPA Div. of Surface Water).

A special thanks to Michelle Roby and Ross A. Roberts (Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Assistants) for help in manuscript and graphics preparation, and Judy Kauffeld, Publications Editor (Section of Communications and Technology, Ohio State University), for editorial and graphic production.