Ohio Code § 1521.17

Ohio Code § 1521.17. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 1521.17.

(A) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the determination of the reasonableness

of a use of water depends upon a consideration of the interests of the person making

the use, of any person harmed by the use, and of society as a whole. (B) In accordance with section 858 of the Restatement (Second) of Torts of the American

law institute, all of the following factors shall be considered, without limitation,

in determining whether a particular use of water is reasonable: (1) The purpose of the use; (2) The suitability of the use to the watercourse, lake, or aquifer; (3) The economic value of the use; (4) The social value of the use; (5) The extent and amount of the harm it causes; (6) The practicality of avoiding the harm by adjusting the use or method of use of one

person or the other; (7) The practicality of adjusting the quantity of water used by each person; (8) The protection of existing values of water uses, land, investments, and enterprises; (9) The justice of requiring the user causing harm to bear the loss. (C) In any determination of reasonable use of water under common law in which prior use

is a factor, it shall be conclusive that one use is prior to another in the quantity

claimed if the date of registration of one facility providing such use under section 1521.16 of the Revised Code is prior to that of another facility. If a use of water in which prior use is a factor is by means of a facility having

the capacity to withdraw one hundred thousand gallons or less of water per day and

the facility is not registered under division (B) of that section, prior use shall

be based on historic information and documentation provided by any person.

Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 1521.17
  • Jurisdiction: Ohio
  • Code: Ohio Revised Code
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 1521.17?

The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 1521.17 address?

It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Ohio Revised Code § 1521.17 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.