Water: An irreplaceable resource needs to be protected
- col-conservation-corner
- April 10, 2024
- 395
My wife and I have wintered in the Phoenix and Tucson areas of Arizona for several years. As we drive across the country, a very noticeable change in vegetation can be seen, especially once we get west of Abilene, Texas.
In many areas the only large trees are along the natural waterways. Often signs are posted in the campground and RV parks advising patrons that the washing of vehicles is not permitted. Signs also are sometimes posted reminding campers to make sure there are no leaks in their water supply hoses. Water is a very limited and valuable resource in these areas.
As early as the late 1860s, canal projects were started by settlers in what is now the greater Phoenix area. This system has been expanded many times, and now some of the water used comes from as far away as the Colorado River.
While driving around the agricultural areas, it was interesting to see the large canals that would then split into smaller canals. Finally, the water is diverted into individual fields. Irrigation is crucial to agriculture in this area.
Living where we do in Tuscarawas County, having enough water for our everyday needs is not usually an issue. Even though we do have occasional dry years, for the most part there is enough water to provide for our needs. As such we often take our supply of both ground water and surface water for granted. However, there are some parts of our county where there are somewhat limited water resources.
Throughout the years there have been ground water supplies in Tuscarawas County affected by salt, nitrates, sulfates and hydrocarbons. Acid mine drainage and sediment loads are some of the factors affecting our surface waters.
In February 2024 the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency released a report titled “Biological and Water Quality Study of Tuscarawas River and Select Tributaries.” In this study the Tuscarawas River and some smaller tributaries were sampled between Uniontown and Coshocton.
Previous studies of the Tuscarawas River had been conducted in 1983, 1988, 1993, 1995 and 2003-05. Comparing results of the latest study to previous studies shows the water quality is improved but is still being impacted by many factors. These factors tend to be more related to urbanization and industry in the upper portion between Uniontown and Bolivar. The middle and lower portions of the Tuscarawas River between Bolivar and Coshocton are more impacted by agriculture and mine drainage from historic coal mining operations.
Projects such as the Huff Run Watershed Restoration Program can help restore streams to their premining conditions by remediating acid mine drainage. Organizations such as the Ohio EPA, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District can be valuable resources for ways we can continue to protect one of our most valuable resources: our water.
Richard Fouts is a supervisor of the Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District and a lifelong resident of Tuscarawas County.