Our Aquifer Preservation Subdistrict supports stewardship of the region's water resources. Water stewardship includes work to protect and improve the quantity and quality of water for people living and working within the Great Miami River Watershed. Read more details in a recent report.
Water here and across the United States faces multiple threats from a changing climate, polluted runoff from land, and our own personal actions. Encouraging stewardship of our water is critical to protecting health and quality of life.
MCD leads with research and insight, enabling people living and working within the Great Miami River Watershed to make safe, sustainable choices that reduce the impact on our water.
What we do
Trillions of gallons of good quality water
Parts of the U.S. – and many places around the world – are dealing with water shortages. Fortunately, the Dayton region is home to an abundant source of groundwater. The Buried Valley Aquifer stores about 1.5 trillion gallons of water underground. It provides drinking water for more than 2.3 million people.
Thousands of miles of rivers and streams
More than 6,600 miles of rivers and streams flow through the watershed and are enjoyed for fishing and paddling. As river recreation grows, keeping the water clean for users becomes more and more important.
Preservation is key
Plentiful high-quality water is critical to the region’s health and economy. That’s why MCD collaborates with others to preserve this valuable resource.
Who does the Water Stewardship program serve?
The people, communities, neighborhoods, properties, and businesses affected by the Great Miami River Watershed region in Southwest Ohio.
Is the Water Stewardship program part of the Miami Conservancy District?
Yes. MCD's main mission and responsibility is flood risk reduction. MCD's two other missions are water stewardship and riverfront recreation. The water stewardship program is guided by the Official Plan of the Miami Conservancy District's Aquifer Preservation Subdistrict.
How is it funded?
MCD’s work in preserving water resources is funded by an assessment paid by each of the nine counties participating in the Aquifer Preservation Subdistrict.
The Ohio Revised Code outlines how conservancy districts are funded. The Miami Conservancy District (Main District) and two subdistricts (Aquifer Preservation Subdistrict and River Corridor Improvement Subdistrict) are individually funded by local assessments, and the funds are not interchangeable. Miami Conservancy District can also receive funding through grants, agreements and other sources.
Does the Water Stewardship program hold events?
Yes. We are active in many of the communities we serve. These events and activities include public meetings, free well-testing events, networking, river clean-up days, and groups such as the Great Miami River Watershed Network and Partners for the Environment.
Do you work with others?
Our main service area for programs and activities includes all or parts of the counties of Butler, Clark, Greene, Hamilton Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and Warren within the Great Miami River Watershed. We work closely with many community leaders, elected officials, and other governmental and private professional organizations whose mission is to also maintain and protect our region's water.
