About Water Diversions
The Division of Water administers the Ohio Lake
Eire-Ohio River Basin diversion permit program under the authority of
Ohio Revised Code §1501. The Division also coordinates applications for
diversions of water out of the Great Lakes Basin and presents them to
the Great Lakes States' Governors for their approval under Section 1109
of the federal Water Resources Development Act of 1986.
ORC
Law regarding Diversion Permits.
Lake Erie/Ohio River Basin Diversions - State Permit Program
Diversions of water larger than 100,000 gallons per
day out of the Ohio portion of either the Lake Erie Basin or the Ohio
River Basin require a permit from the director of the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources. There are currently three existing diversion
permits.
Rural Lorain County Water Authority (from the Lake Erie basin to
the Ohio river Basin for public water supply)
City of Ravenna (from the Lake Erie Basin to the Ohio River Basin
for public water supply)
City of Ravenna (from the Ohio river Basin to the Lake Erie Basin
for water supply)
Further information about these diversions as well
as the diversion permit program and application procedures can be
obtained by contacting the Division of Water.
Diversions Out of the Great Lakes Basin - Federal Statute
Since 1986, diversions of water out of the Great
Lakes Basin require the approval of all the Great Lakes States'
Governors, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. A diversion for Pleasant Prairie,
Wisconsin was approved by the governors in 1989 and subsequently
implemented. A proposal to divert water to Lowell, Indiana was rejected
by the Governors in 1991. The third proposal, for an extension of water
service by the City of Akron, Ohio into Copley, Coventry, and
Springfield Townships south and west of the City, is currently under
consideration by the governors.
Contacts and More Information
Further information about these diversions as well
as about the procedures for initiating a Great Lakes diversion proposal
can be obtained by contacting the Division of Water (614)
265-6717.
Ohio
Administrative Code regarding diversion proposals.
The following report concerning potential
diversions of Great Lakes water can be viewed on-lined or obtained from
the Division of Water:
Lake Erie-Ohio River Basin Boundary
Study--Identification of Potential Water Diversions Out of the Ohio
Portion of the Great Lakes Basin, by Leonard
Black, 1996; 42 pages; photocopies are $10.50 plus sales tax and
shipping charges (listed as OFPR 22).
You may also wish to read:
Water
Withdrawal Rights
An Overview of Ohio
Water Withdrawal Law, 2nd
Edition
