At the request of Governor Bob Taft, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is making water available on an emergency basis from many of its state park lakes and other reservoirs it owns or controls. ODNR's offer to permit limited emergency water withdrawals from these lakes will remain in effect for the duration of current drought conditions in many regions of the state.
WHO MAY APPLY
With permission, water may be taken by truck or trailer tanks for use by drought-stricken farmers as livestock water supply, for fire fighting purposes and for emergency supply to community water-treatment systems.
WHERE WATER IS AVAILABLE
ODNR is making water available from more than 150 of the larger lakes and reservoirs the department manages at its state parks, forests, wildlife areas and other facilities across Ohio. However, not all ODNR lakes have the necessary accessibility or may be practical water sources for other reasons.
AUTHORITY
The availability of water at a particular reservoir, including quantity limitations, access points and other provisions willbe determined solely by the local ODNR manager responsible for that lake.
FOR INFORMATION ON LOCATIONS AND CONTACTS
Farmers and others seeking permission to withdraw emergency water from
ODNR lakes should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District for information on the nearest facilities and the ODNR personnel responsible for granting permission. A Soil and Water Conservation District office is located in each of Ohio's 88 counties.
(Click here for a list of SWCD phone numbers and addresses)
PUBLIC WATER-SUPPLY SYSTEMS
In situations where communities require larger quantities of water by pumping or by connection to an existing raw-water delivery system, ODNR may be able to expedite arrangements through its existing water sales/leasing program. Call (614) 265-6717.
NO IMPACT ON RECREATION
Limited quantities of water permitted to be withdrawn from ODNR reservoirs under these arrangements will not impair recreational use of those lakes for boating and fishing. ODNR is carefully monitoring its reservoirs, including those where the department routinely sells water under contract to public water systems. While there appear to be no problems at this time, ODNR is working to ensure that water is not depleted at a rate that would threaten its ability to provide recreational opportunities or to meet the needs of existing water-supply customers.
Media contact:
ODNR Office of Media Relations
614-265-6886
Back to Drought Special Links Main Page