Types of Private Water Systems
Private Water Systems
A private water system is any water system, other than a public water supply system, for the provision of water for human consumption. A private water system has fewer that fifteen (15) service connections and does not regularly serve an average of twenty-five (25) individuals daily at least sixty (60) days each year.
Ensuring the safety of drinking water from a private water system, whether it is a water well, spring, pond or rainwater cistern, is important. The Ohio Department of Health establishes construction standards for different sources of water and types of systems, and requires that contractors who work on these systems are registered and bonded to protect public health.
Below is a list of the different types of private water systems. These links provide access to the information for each type of private water system. This information should be helpful with the process of planning and constructing a new water system or altering or sealing an existing private water system.
The following links will provide additional information related to all private water systems types.
- Private Water Systems Rules (Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-28)
- Emergencies and Private Water Systems
- Water Quality
- Water Treatment
- Microbiological Standards for Private Water Systems in Ohio
- Steps to Construct, Alter, and Seal a Private Water System
- List of Registered Private Water Systems Contractors and Water Haulers
- Forms (includes permit applications with site plan, additional site plan forms, completion forms, etc.)
Maintenance
Do you need information about Private Water Systems?
If you need information about private water systems, contact:
- Local Health Districts - Find My Local Health Department
- Ohio Department of Health - Private Water Systems Program
- Registered Private Water Systems Contractors
Laboratories certified to conduct water testing for private water systems
The private water system rules (Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-28) require water samples collected from private water systems to be analyzed by laboratory certified by either the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) or the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) for system approval after new construction, alteration or repair. The department recommends that all water samples collected from private water systems for real estate transactions, or consumer information also be analyzed at a certified laboratory to ensure that proper procedures and water analysis methods are used to protect public health.