Dayton Public Water System

The Great Miami River Left Valley Aquifer stands as one of the nation's most abundant and vital water resources. This massive underground reservoir consists of rock and gravel layers saturated with water, storing over a trillion gallons that serve approximately 1.5 million residents across southwestern Ohio.

What makes this aquifer exceptional is its renewable nature. The extensive network of rivers and streams continuously replenishes the groundwater supply, making the region remarkably drought-resistant with reliable water availability. This valuable resource benefits from an award-winning protection program recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a designated sole-source aquifer.

The City of Dayton's proactive approach to water safety includes land use zoning regulations, contaminated groundwater remediation, early warning monitoring systems, and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. These efforts earned Dayton the inaugural National Exemplary Wellhead Protection Award from the American Water Works Association, and the city has maintained its Groundwater Guardian Community designation by the Groundwater Foundation annually since 1995.

The Dayton Water Department serves approximately 400,000 residents throughout Montgomery County and portions of Greene County. Water is sourced from the Great Miami and Mad River Valleys, with approximately 110 large production wells pumping groundwater from the aquifer. Each well can deliver between 1-4 million gallons daily, ensuring a consistent supply to treatment facilities.

As water travels through the ground, it naturally dissolves minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities. Potential contaminants include microbial pathogens from sewage facilities or agricultural operations; inorganic compounds like salts and metals; pesticides from agriculture and urban runoff; organic chemicals from industrial processes; and naturally occurring radioactive materials.

The city utilizes recharge lagoons to maintain the water table level and ensure efficient well operation, demonstrating Dayton's commitment to sustainable water management practices while maintaining high quality standards for public consumption.

When are Building Permits Required?

"Any owner, agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, modify, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy class of a building or structure, or to erect, install, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any structural, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the technical codes, shall first apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit..." 2015 Standard Building Code.

Permits are typically not required for routine maintenance and minor repairs as long as such work complies with technical code requirements. If uncertain whether your project requires a permit, contact the Building Official directly.

What is Needed to Obtain a Building Permit?

1. Completed application form (available at City Hall)
2. A scaled or fully dimensioned site plan showing all property lines, existing structures, proposed construction, utility easements, dimensions from property lines, and other relevant site information
3. Additional documentation as necessary to fully illustrate the scope of work and compliance with applicable code requirements (may include complete blueprints, basic floor plans, elevation drawings, or material specifications)
4. A minimum 24-hour review period, which may be extended in certain circumstances

How Do Building Codes Benefit You?

When properly administered by qualified professionals, locally adopted building codes and related ordinances protect people and property by ensuring structural integrity, fire safety, health standards, and proper sanitation in buildings where people work, live, and gather.

What constitutes public infrastructure?

Public infrastructure generally encompasses any facilities or services including water mains, sewer lines, roadways, or other utilities that are owned and maintained by the City of Harker Heights. Other infrastructure components like electricity, gas, cable, and telephone services are managed by separate utility providers.