Private Water Systems Permits & Inspections
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:
- Address of the property.
- A site plan (sketch) that includes locations of the dwelling, sewage system, property lines, and proposed water source.
- Name of private water system contractor. 2023 Registered Contractors
- Signature of applicant is required.
- 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.
- Notify your registered contractor that a permit has been purchased and to begin development.
- The appropriate completion form must be completed and submitted. Disinfection Completion Form OR Hauled Water Completion Form
- A copy of the well log (if applicable) shall be submitted.
- A water sample and system inspection is completed.
- 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 3745-9-07 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.
Links to Guides, Applications, & Forms
Permit Application for Private Water Systems
Permit Application for Sewage Treatment System Abandonment
Real Estate Inspection Application
Registered Contractors List 2023
Registered Water Hauler List 2024
Links for Homeowners
Guide to Completion of your Private Water System
Disinfection Fact Sheet for Drinking Water Wells
Contractor Procedures for Disinfecting Private Water Wells
Private Water Systems and Drought in Ohio
Private Water Systems and Power Outages
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