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). 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. Registered Contractors
  4. Signature of applicant is required.
  5. Permit fee. New water system is $417.00 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.

Contacts

 Environmental Office, Option 3 For Environmental
740-454-9741

North of U.S. Route 40
 Matt Hemmer, REHS
740-454-9741 X 232
matth@zmchd.org

South of U.S. Route 40
 Samantha Wantz, REHS
740-454-9741 X 293
samanthaw@zmchd.org

ZMCHD Private Water Systems

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
ZMCHD Private Water Systems Alteration Permit
Sealing Permit
ZMCHD Private Water Systems Sealing Permit

See Ohio Administrative Code 3745-9-07 and 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.