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Private Water Systems

Private Water Systems Permits & Inspection

Private water systems, including wells, cisterns, ponds, springs, and hauled water tanks used for drinking water are regulated by the Ohio Private Water Systems Regulations (Ohio Administrative Code 3701-28). A permit must be issued by the health department prior to installing or altering a private water system. New systems are inspected and then tested for safe drinking water. Samples may also be taken from existing water supplies where owners are concerned about water quality. 

 

Permits for New Water Systems 

The following information is required to complete the permit application 

  1. Address of the property. 
  2. A site plan (sketch) that includes locations of the dwelling, sewage system, property lines, and proposed water source. 
  3. Name of private water system contractor. 2023 Registered Contractors 
  4. Signature of applicant is required. 
  5. Permit fee. New water system is $409.00 Alteration to an existing system is $260.00  

 

Final Approval for New Water Systems 

After you receive your permit, follow these steps to obtain final approval for a new water system.  

  1. Notify your registered contractor that a permit has been purchased and to begin development. 
  2. The appropriate completion form must be completed and submitted. Disinfection Completion Form OR Hauled Water Completion Form
  3. A copy of the well log (if applicable) shall be submitted. 
  4. A water sample and system inspection is completed. 
  5. Department approves or disapproves.  

For a complete guide, click here: Guide to completion of your PWS. 

 

Permits for Connecting to Public Water 

Follow these steps to obtain a permit to connect to public water (private to public water hook-up): 

Alteration Permit  

Sealing Permit 

See Ohio Administrative Code 3745-9-07and the well sealing guide for information on sealing a well.  

 

Real Estate Transfers / System Certification  

Real estate transfers/system certification are not required for private sale in Muskingum County.  

FHA/VA loans often require water samples and system certification ($112 plus sampling fees).  

 

Water Hauler Registration 

Water haulers are contractors that haul potable water from a public water supply to a private water system. This includes on-site hauled water tanks, cisterns, and supplemental water reservoirs for wells, ponds, and springs, and to a public water system. 

All water haulers must register annually with the board of health in which their business is located. Click here to register. 

For current list of registered water haulers, click here.  

 

Links to Guides, Applications, & Forms 

Permit Application for Private Water Systems

Hauled Water Completion Form  

Disinfection Completion Form  

Real Estate Inspection Application

Registered Contractors List 2023

Registered Water Haulers List 2023

Water Hauler Registration

Certification Form

 

Links for Homeowners 

Guide to Completion of your Private Water System

Private Water Systems Rules

Water Well Search

Disinfection Fact Sheet for Drinking Water Wells

Contractor Procedures for Disinfecting Private Water Wells

Homeowner Disinfection Fact Sheet After Flooding

Private Water Systems and Drought in Ohio

Private Water Systems and Power Outages

Well Sealing Guide

Homeowner’s Responsibilities

Potential Funding Opportunity

 

Contact  

Office: 740-454-9741, option 3 for Environmental 

North of U.S. Route 40: Matt Hemmer, REHS — matth@zmchd.org or call 740-454-9741, ext. 232 

South of U.S. Route 40: Samantha Wantz, REHS – samanthaw@zmchd.org or call 740-454-9741, ext. 293 

 

Quick Resources

Public Health nuisance or hazard complaint form:

Nuisance Complaint Form

Online Inspection Reports:

Search Here

Program Fees:

Click Here