The aquifer’s water, which is pumped to the surface and used by businesses, farms and is even bottled and sold by the city of Hamilton, is estimated to supply about 360,000 residents in Butler County and northern Hamilton County.
Here are 5 quick facts about the Great Miami Aquifer
1. Water temps average between 55 and 57 degrees
The aquifer stretches from Logan County down to the Ohio River and is estimated to contain more than 1 trillion gallons of water, which averages a temperature between 55 and 57 degrees.
2. 6,000 miles of rivers feeding aquifer
Groundwater drainage and an estimated 6,000 miles of rivers in Western and Southwest Ohio feed the aquifer, which extends underground about two miles east and west below the north to south flow of the 170-mile long Great Miami River.
3. Melting glaciers shaped aquifer
The aquifer was formed by glaciers millions of years ago when melting ice seeped deep into the ground. The subterranean body of water is actually a mixture of sand and gravel and lies on average about 250 feet below the surface.
4. Excellent water quality
The city of Hamilton has won international bottle water awards for years for its aquifer-fed water supply. Hamilton tap water took home the gold in 2010 and 2015 for best in the world, plus first prize in 2009 for best in the country, and second in the world that year, from the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition.
5. Enough water to fill Sunlite Pool — 11 times
Hamilton’s waterworks plant processes 40 million gallons per day, enough to fill Coney Island’s Sunlite Pool 11.4 times, but currently is producing 15.5 million to 16 million gallons daily, about half of it being sold to Butler County. Of the water consumed in Hamilton, about 65 percent is used by residents, and 35 percent by businesses.
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