Developing A Drinking Water Source Protection Plan For The Village Of Gratis

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