The Olentangy River is part of the greater Scioto Watershed. The river is 97 miles total, with 22 miles designated a State Scenic River by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The river provides a majority of the water for the ORWRP. There is an intake panel that draws in water for the experimental wetlands and there is a gravity flow pipe that transports water to the oxbow lake. There are also two separate pumps that are used to supply water to the experimental wetlands. These pumps are used one at a time depending on the season and water levels of the river. The ORWRP helps filter water before it re-enters the river, which helps to create a cleaner and healthier environment for the wildlife that depends on the Olentangy. The entire river system creates vital habitat for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, macro-invertebrates, and plants.