FAQ's about the Reservoirs & Watershed Management
Watershed management office and land stewardship
Questions and answers about the reservoirs, watershed management and the land stewardship program.
Where does my water come from?
Go to Water Distribution and view a map of each plant’s service area with a description of the water source for the customer’s location. How do I find out the water levels and the temperature of the reservoirs?
Current conditions for Ohio lakes and reservoirs can be found on the USGS site. Please note, the USGS provides the current elevation only. If you want to determine the reservoir levels, as were previously reported in the Columbus Dispatch Metro section, you will need to compare the daily reported elevation to the normal crest:
O’Shaughnessy Dam Crest: 848.50’
Griggs Dam Crest: 756.18’
Hoover Dam Crest: 894.00’
The difference between the elevation and the crest will provide the reservoir level, indicating the feet above or below the normal.
We do not monitor reservoir temperatures.
Why is the water so low at Griggs/O’Shaughnessy? Can’t we pump water in them?
Changes in the water level are related to the amount of rainfall.
These are water supply reservoirs. When they are not overflowing, only enough water is released from them to meet the demand of our customers. When demand (outflow) exceeds inflow the water levels of the reservoirs recede. They can only be replenished by adequate precipitation.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is the area of land that drains surface water to a common basin such as a stream, river, lake or reservoir. Watersheds vary in size depending upon natural features of the land the water flows across. View a larger image of the watershed illustration (right) courtesy of the Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group. (Click on the image at right or link above. A new window will open, then click on the image).
The three watersheds that supply raw water to the City of Columbus are Big Walnut Creek, the Upper Scioto River and Alum Creek. View a map of the Upper Scioto Watershed, which includes the Big Walnut Creek (displayed in dark green), the Upper Scioto (light green) and Alum Creek (yellow). Or view an alternative map of the Central Ohio Watershed completed with roads for ease of reference.
Why does the City of Columbus have a Watershed Management Office?
How is the Watershed Management Section funded?
Operational funds are provided through Columbus water customer billing revenue, unlike other city departments that are primarily funded by the tax revenue that goes into the city's general fund. Why are there so many rules regarding city-owned land next to the reservoirs?
The basic reason is to protect the quality of Columbus' drinking water supply; limits to land usage along the reservoirs is a necessary component of that protection. The city must comply with all local, state and federal regulations related to the protection of water resources including the Clean Water Act (1972), which is enforced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Environmental Protection Agency. The USACE regulates activities permitted within navigable waterways, while the EPA regulates pollutants allowed within a waterway as a result of permitted activities within and immediately near that waterway. How can I tell where my property ends and the city-owned property begins?
Documents to review include county auditor maps and your property survey. Locating the property pins would be helpful as well. If in doubt, please contact Watershed Management at (614) 645-1287 to request a site visit to assist you. What is a Land Stewardship Agreement?
Residents who live along water reservoirs have a special responsibility to care for this vital resource in a way that will preserve it for future generations. This voluntary agreement between those who own property adjacent to city land surrounding the reservoirs and the City of Columbus provides residents an opportunity to actively participate in protecting the source of our community’s drinking water. The agreement allows for certain modifications to be made on the city's land bordering the property of a homeowner with an approved Land Stewardship Plan. What is a Land Stewardship Plan?
Once a Land Stewardship Agreement is in place, property owners interested in certain use privileges of city land can submit a plan to the Watershed Management Section for approval. Such privileges may include specific and limited maintenance or planting certain trees and vegetation. Having a valid Land Stewardship Plan is a prerequisite to receiving a private dock, stake or mooring permit. Is my Land Stewardship Agreement transferable to a new owner if I sell my house?
Yes, it may be possible; please give the Watershed Management Section written notice of any change of ownership and a new license agreement can be drafted. What is an encroachment?
It is a legal term that for these purposes means a structure that lacks a valid permit from the City of Columbus or an unauthorized activity on city-owned land. Is there a process to dispute encroachment notices and other issues involving the city-owned land along the reservoirs?
The courts can serve for such appeals when the city and property owner cannot come to a reasonable agreement. The first preference is to work with the Watershed Management staff - they will meet with the property owner on site to explain and try to come up with a workable solution. Why can’t I continue to maintain city property as turf grass?
Land next to the reservoirs’ edge plays an important role in protecting the quality of our primary drinking water supply. Rain water and snow melt can carry chemicals, excess nutrients, sediments and many other pollutants miles from their origin. A deep-rooted vegetative buffer of native trees and plants protects against soil erosion and acts as a filter, keeping contaminants from entering the water.
Native plant roots can grow 15 to 20 feet deep while turf grass roots are typically only three inches long (graphic at right). The level of contaminants and soil particulates in our raw water supply also has an impact on drinking water treatment costs. Containing treatment costs helps keep water rates low for our customers. Click to see larger image.Why are so many properties in the reservoir areas advertised as "waterfront" when they should be called "waterview" because, in reality, the city owns most of the land next to the reservoirs?
This is an issue Columbus Public Utilities staff members have pointed out to the central Ohio real estate community many times, but the problem persists. Our advice to any prospective home or land buyer is to do your research before the purchase and to check all documents at the time of closing to be perfectly clear about what you are buying. More Questions...
Recreation on the Reservoirs
Boating, Dock Permits, Shelter Houses, Swimming (not permitted)
Is swimming allowed in the Columbus reservoirs or waterways?
Swimming is NOT permitted in Columbus reservoirs per Columbus City Code. For more information on recreational activities that are allowed, please visit: columbus.gov/recreationandparks/facilities/Marinas-and-Docks/.
There are many opportunities for swimming in Columbus; visit Recreations and Parks Department's Aquatics Page to find indoor & outdoor pools, hours of operation, spray parks/spraygrounds, swimming programs, lessons & more.
Who should I notify if I see people swimming, diving, or any other potentially dangerous situation in a Columbus reservoir?
Please notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency immediately, whether that be Columbus Police, a county township, sheriff or suburban police department. If an emergency, please call 911. Is my vessel permitted on the reservoirs?
These rules vary by reservoir. Go to Municode, select Title 9, click on Chapter 921 - WATERCRAFT ON RESERVOIRS, click on the Vessel and Operations on Waterways section (921.01-1) and look for the reservoir of your choice. How do I find out the water levels and the temperature of the reservoirs?
Current conditions for Ohio lakes and reservoirs can be found on the USGS site. Please note, the USGS provides the current elevation only. If you want to determine the reservoir levels, as were previously reported in the Columbus Dispatch Metro section, you will need to compare the daily reported elevation to the normal crest:
O’Shaughnessy Dam Crest: 848.50’
Griggs Dam Crest: 756.18’
Hoover Dam Crest: 894.00’
The difference between the elevation and the crest will provide the reservoir level, indicating the feet above or below the normal.
We do not monitor reservoir temperatures.
What are the horsepower/speed limits for the reservoirs?
These rules vary by reservoir and zones. From Municode, select Title 9 (Streets, Parks and Public Properties), then select Chapter 921 (Watercraft on Reservoirs), select Vessel and Operations section for the reservoir of your choice. 921.01-1 through 921.01-5 are the sections of interest.
921.01-1 Vessels and Operations on Waterways
921.01-2 Downtown Scioto River Pool
921.01-3 Griggs Reservoir
921.01-4 Hoover Reservoir
921.01-5 O'Shaughnessy Reservoir
I need to get my boat inspected. Who do I need to talk to?
Our Watershed Management Office can assist you with that inspection. Their phone number is (614) 645-1721. How do I get a dock permit from the City of Columbus?
Begin by requesting a Land Stewardship information packet from the Watershed Management Section by calling (614) 645-1287. Once your Land Stewardship Agreement and Plan are approved by the Watershed Management office, request a private dock, stake or mooring permit application from the Department of Recreation and Parks at (614) 645-3337 or visit their Web site. How do I reservere a shelter house? Do they have electricity? How much does it cost & where do I pay?
Shelter houses are administered by the Recreation & Parks Department. They can be contacted at (614) 645-3337.
Flood Control
Do the Columbus reservoirs have any flood control ability?
The reservoirs were built for drinking water storage and not flood control. When the in-stream reservoirs become full following rain or melting snow, they were designed so that the excess water coming in from the creeks and rivers spills over the dams to the waterway below the dam. In the case of Hoover Reservoir, there is a limited amount of control by lowering and raising gates at the dam, but only by a few feet.
Whether or not downstream flooding will occur depends on the weather pattern. When rain continues and a reservoir is already full, the water will continue to go over the dam and enter the creek or river below, as it would if there were no dam. If there is a break between storms and the reservoir level drops, that can create some space to hold some water from the next storm. Another factor can be how much water is flowing into the rivers and streams upstream of the dam and reservoir.
Are conditions monitored when downstream flood conditions may exist or be imminent?
Yes. During high water level conditions, gauge levels and weather forecasts are monitored closely by the CDPU staff and the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEMHS) office. The city uses the United States Geological Survey river gauge data at http://oh.water.usgs.gov/ to monitor river levels. In addition, the Division of Water’s Watershed Rangers patrol some nearby flood-prone areas to do spot checks. If concerned about flood preparation or evacuations, where do I call?
Any voluntary or mandatory evacuation notices are handled by the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEMHS) office, and they will coordinate with local agencies involved in emergency response efforts. To reach FCEMHS, please call (614) 794-0213 or visit http://www.fcemhs.org. For other questions, contact your local jurisdiction. If in Columbus, call 311 or (614) 645-3111 and in an emergency, please dial 911. If I live in a floodplain or floodway downstream of one of the dams, can I obtain flood insurance?
This is best answered by your insurance agent. It is important to understand that this type of designation exists because of the creek or river and land elevation and not because of the dams. For more information please visit https//www.FloodSmart.gov or call 888-379-9531.
More questions
For questions regarding Public Utilities' Watershed Management program:
For questions regarding private boat dock, stake or mooring permits: