Private waters systems are regulated by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and administered by both ODH and the Local Health Districts under Sections 3701.344 to 3701.347 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Chapter 3701-28 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

What are private water systems?

Private water systems are 

• Wells 
• Springs 
• Ponds 
• Cisterns 
• Hauled water storage tank 

that provide potable water for human consumption and supplies water to

• Fewer than fifteen (15) service connections; and  
• Do not regularly serve an average of at least twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days of each year. 

These include

• 1, 2, and 3 family dwellings; 
• Multiple dwellings on the same or adjacent properties; 
• Buildings including barns, small businesses, churches, etc.; and 
• Small manufactured home parks and campgrounds. 

A private water system includes any auxiliary water supply for a structure to supplement toilet flushing or laundry.

Services Provided by the ODH PWS Program:

• Technical assistance and training on the construction, operation, and maintenance of private water systems; 
• Survey local health district’s private water systems programs to assess their compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements; 
• Registration of private water systems contractors; 
• Investigations and recommendations on bond claims against private water systems contractors; and 
• Investigation of contamination of private water systems. 

Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Ohio Department of Health
BEHRP/Private Water Systems Program
246 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone:  614-644-7558
Email:  Privatewater@odh.ohio.gov