Developing a Drinking Water Source Protection Plan for the Village of Gratis

by Weinkam, Laura Anne

The Village of Gratis is located in southwest Ohio. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) determined that the Gratis drinking water system is highly susceptible to contamination. For this practicum, a geographic information system (GIS) study using the DRASTIC and SEEPAGE models was conducted to verify the ground-water vulnerability in the Gratis protection area. High susceptibility to contamination and elevated nitrate concentrations in the public water supply led to the creation of a sourcewater protection plan. The plan was developed by a diverse team of local stakeholders and submitted to the OEPA for endorsement in 2009. Source-water protection in Gratis includes outreach and education strategies to prevent future contamination and prepare for timely response in the event of emergency. By implementing the protection plan, the Village of Gratis will reduce their water treatment cost and provide safe drinking water for the community.