Review & Update

In 2013, the City of Dayton initiated a thorough review and update to the Source Water Protection Program, to ensure the program remains current. As a result, on July 29, 2015, the City Commission approved a new Source Water Protection Program Zoning and Water Protection Ordinance Amendments incorporating many technological and administrative enhancements learned through decades of managing the City's well fields.

As an outcome of this process, Dayton's protection program was strengthened. Using science and 26 years of experience gained by our professional staff and consultants, Dayton has a multi-barrier protection program. The updates continue preventive efforts and the removal of contamination from the groundwater.

Board meeting agendas

EPA Guidelines

To meet the Ohio EPA Source Water Protection guidelines, Dayton has added a five-year time of travel to allow risk reduction and protective strategies to be extended into the Water Resource Area (an area outside of the existing Source Water Protection Area). These amendments enhance the existing protection program with additional staff, technical consulting services, and increased groundwater monitoring capabilities.

Major Elements

The major elements of the Source Water Protection Program include:

• Land Use and Control Zoning
• Financial Incentives
  • Risk Point Buy Down
  • Grants
  • 0% Interest Loans
  • Application for requests under $10,000
• Business Inspections
• Chemical Inventory Reporting
• Groundwater Monitoring, Time-Critical Investigations, Groundwater/Surface Water Studies
• Emergency Response
• Multi-Jurisdictional Program
  • Staff to Assist Businesses and Realtors
• Education and Community Outreach
  • Community Presentations
  • Children's Water Festival
  • Business Newsletter, Workshops
  • Schools and Universities

Jurisdictions

The Multi-Jurisdictional Source Water Protection Program (SWPP) encompasses Dayton, Harrison Township, Riverside, Vandalia, Huber Heights, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Revised Code of General Ordinances

The Source Water Protection Program in the City of Dayton's Revised Code of General Ordinances (R.C.G.O.) includes provisions in the Water Department Section, primarily Chapter 53, and in the Zoning Section, Chapter 150. The SWPP was originally adopted in August of 1988, and has been amended over the years. The SWPP was written to promote groundwater risk reduction while encouraging economic development.