Gahanna City PWS Water Company

The sources of municipal water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. Each residence, school and business in the greater Columbus region receives water from one of these three water plants:

Dublin Road Water Plant (DRWP): Serving northwestern and southwestern residents. Water is sourced from Griggs Reservoir and O'Shaughnessy Reservoir.

Hap Cremean Water Plant (HCWP): Serving Ohio State University and northern residents. Water comes from Hoover Reservoir via Big Walnut Creek.

Parsons Avenue Water Plant (PAWP): Serving southeastern residents. Water is sourced from groundwater wells.

Gahanna operates as a "master meter" community, purchasing its water from Columbus. As noted above, Gahanna receives water from Columbus' Hap Cremean Water Plant on Morse Road, which sources from Hoover Reservoir via Big Walnut Creek.

In its ongoing compliance efforts, Columbus Division of Water has completed two Source Water Assessment Programs - one for groundwater and one for surface water, as recommended by Ohio EPA for effective source water protection. Key findings include:

Columbus water system uses surface water from Scioto River and Big Walnut Creek, plus groundwater pumped from sand and gravel deposits of the Scioto River Valley. All sources have relatively high contamination susceptibility. The Parsons Avenue plant groundwater is particularly vulnerable due to minimal protective clay overlying the aquifer. Surface water sources are even more exposed to potential spills.

The water supply protection areas contain numerous potential contaminant sources, particularly around the Dublin Road Water Treatment Plant along the Scioto River. These include commercial activities, stormwater runoff from developing areas, and heavily traveled transportation networks near water bodies. Agricultural runoff remains a concern in both watersheds.

Columbus treats water to meet quality requirements, but no single treatment can address all potential contaminants. The city has implemented proactive measures including stewardship programs and incentives to reduce erosion and agricultural runoff into reservoirs.

More detailed information is available in Columbus' Drinking Water Source Assessment Report by contacting the Columbus Watershed Section at 614-645-1721 or visiting www.columbus.gov/watershed for information on watershed management and land stewardship plans.

1. Where does Gahanna City PWS water come from?
   Gahanna City PWS supplies purchased surface water to Gahanna, Ohio.
2. Does Gahanna City PWS test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Gahanna City PWS must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Gahanna City PWS?
   Call 614-342-4005 or visit 200 South Hamilton Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Gahanna City PWS water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Gahanna City PWS water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.