Announcements

October 22, 2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Disadvantaged Community Loans Rule in chapter 3745-88

The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Disadvantaged Community Loans Rule in chapter 3745-88 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

October 22, 2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Monitoring Requirements Rule in chapter 3745-81

The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Monitoring Requirements Rule in chapter 3745-81 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

October 17, 2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-81

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-81.

The amended rule will be effective as of Friday, October 31st, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on March 11th, 2025, a proposal comment period ending on September 5th, 2025, and a public hearing held on September 5th, 2025, virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

October 16, 2025: DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels rules 3745-82-01, -03 and -04 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) as no change

Comments are due by 11/17/25. Click here for more information.

July 23, 2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-81

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules governing Source Water Monitoring in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-81.

The amended rules will be effective as of Thursday, August 7, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption.) The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on March 6, 2025, a proposal comment period ending on June 23, 2025, and a public hearing held on June 23, 2025 virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

July 22, 2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-81

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules governing Source Water Monitoring in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-81.

The amended rules will be effective as of Thursday, August 7, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption.) This rule is being adopted after a draft comment period ending March 13, 2025, a proposal comment period ending on June 11, 2025, and a public hearing held on June 11, 2025, virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

July 16, 2025: DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Monitoring Requirements rules in Chapter 3745-81

DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Monitoring Requirements rules in chapter 3745-81 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) with amendments. Comments are due by 8/18/2025. See the Interested Party Review page for more information.

June 18, 2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-34

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-34.

The amended rule will be effective as of Thursday, July 3, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on March 12, 2025, a proposal comment period ending on May 16, 2025, and a public hearing held on May 16, 2025 virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

June 18, 2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-81 and 3745-89

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules governing Laboratory Certification in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-81 and 3745-89.

The amended rules will be effective as of Monday, July 7, 2027. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). This rule is being adopted after a draft comment period ending December 4, 2024, a proposal comment period ending on May 9, 2025, and a public hearing held on May 9, 2025, virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

June 16, 2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-7

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-7.

The amended rule will be effective as of Thursday, July 3, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on February 28, 2025, a proposal comment period ending on May 16, 2025, and a public hearing held on May 16,2025 virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

5/23/2025: DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Consumer Confidence Reports

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Consumer Confidence Reports. Comments are due by June 23, 2025.

5/14/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Surface Water Monitoring Rule

For Original File – Amendments

5/14/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Surface Water Monitoring Rule in chapter 3745-81 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

5/5/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to rules governing Source Monitoring

5/5/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to rules governing Source Monitoring in chapter 3745-81 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

4/10/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Operator Certification Rule

For Original File – Amendments

4/10/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Operator Certification Rule in chapter 3745-7 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

4/10/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "No Change and Amend" to Underground Injection Control Rule

For Original File – Amendments

4/10/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "No Change and Amend" to Underground Injection Control Rule in chapter 3745-34 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

4/2/2025: DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing Laboratory Certification

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing Laboratory Certification are due by COB May 9, 2025. Ohio EPA will be holding a virtual and in-person public hearing on the rules on May 9, 2025, at 10 AM. See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

3/26/2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-87

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-87.

The amended rule will be effective as of Friday, April 11, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on July 11, 2024, a proposal comment period ending on December 16, 2024, and a public hearing held on December 16, 2024 virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

2/18/2025: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-34

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-34.

The amended rule will be effective as of Thursday, March 6, 2025. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on February 19th, 2024, a proposal comment period ending on October 16th, 2024, and a public hearing held on October 16th,2024 virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

2/13/2025: DDAGW seeks interested party review comments on proposed rulemaking governing Source Monitoring Requirements

DDAGW seeks interested party review comments on proposed rulemaking governing Source Monitoring Requirements. Comments are due by March 13, 2025.

2/12/2025: DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Monitoring Requirements

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Monitoring Requirements. Comments are due by March 12, 2025.

2/11/2025: DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Underground Injection Control rule

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Underground Injection Control rule. Comments are due by March 12, 2025. See the Interested Party Review page for more information.

2/4/2025: DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Surface Water Monitoring rule

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Surface Water Monitoring rule. Comments are due by March 6, 2025. See the Interested Party Review page for more information.

1/30/2025: DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Lead and Copper rules

DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Lead and Copper rules 3745-81-80 through 3745-81-90 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) with amendments and three new rules. Comments are due by 3/1/25. See the Early Stakeholder Outreach page for more information.

1/8/2025: DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Disadvantaged Community Loans. Comments are due by February 9, 2025.

See the Early Stakeholder Outreach page for more information.

1/7/2025: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" and to Underground Injection Control Rule in chapter 3745-34 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).

See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

12/26/2024: DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Record Maintenance.

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Record Maintenance. Comments are due by January 27, 2025.

11/25/2024: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-34

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-34 .
 
The amended rule will be effective as of Thursday, December 12th, 2024. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on February 19th, 2024, a proposal comment period ending on October 16th, 2024, and a public hearing held on October 16th, 2024 virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

• Response to Comments

11/26/2024: Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-83

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rule in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-83.

The amended rule will be effective as of Thursday, December 12, 2024. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). This rule is being adopted after a draft comment period ending on March 22, 2024, a proposal comment period ending on August 23, 2024, and a public hearing held on August 23, 2024, virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

Drinking Water Grant Opportunities Now Available!

Ohio EPA is pleased to announce four grant opportunities that are available now through Dec. 20, 2024. Public water systems can apply for emergency generator, source water protection strategies, well abandonment and water audit and water loss control program grants.

More information on each grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application guidelines are available here: https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/drinking-and-ground-waters/public-water-systems/financial-assistance

November 7, 2024: The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" and to Asset Management Rule in chapter 3745-87

The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" and to Asset Management Rule in chapter 3745-87 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

November 7, 2024: DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Underground Injection Control rules

DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Underground Injection Control rules 3745-34-03, -09, -10, -17, -18, -21, and -63 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) with no changes. Comments are due by 12/9/24. Click here for more information.

November 4, 2024: DDAGW Lab Cert IPR

11/04/2024: DDAGW seeks interested party review comments on proposed rulemaking governing Laboratory Certification. Comments are due by December 4, 2024.

May 10, 2024: Water Quality Parameters Reporting Tool in eDrinking Water Reports (eDWR)

Starting July 1st, 2024, Ohio EPA will transition from using the Water Quality Parameters Reporting Form to the new Water Quality Parameters (WQP) Reporting Tool in eDrinking Water Reports (eDWR). After July 1, 2024, Ohio EPA will no longer accept data on the Water Quality Parameters Reporting Form for optimal water quality parameters (OWQPs).

You can find out more about this new tool on our website at this location under the Water Quality Parameters in eDWR tab. There you will find a training recording, the most recent WQP spreadsheet, and the WQP instructions / guide.

If you need access to report Water Quality Parameters, please contact Megan.Shortridge@epa.ohio.gov or DDAGW.IMS@epa.ohio.gov.

April 10, 2024: U.S. EPA Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

On April 10, 2024, U.S. EPA announced the final per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) maximum contaminant levels (MCL) rule for drinking water.  In this rule, U.S. EPA establishes MCLs for the five PFAS compounds listed:  4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS; and 10 parts per trillion for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (Gen X).  In addition, U.S. EPA is regulating mixtures of four PFAS – PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS – through a hazard index (HI).  Some of the notable changes from the proposed rule include: 

• Extending the deadline for public water systems to meet the MCL from three years to five years (2029) 
• Setting individual MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals) 
• Hazard Index MCL requires the presence of two or more PFAS versus one or more 
• Additional monitoring flexibility to reduce ongoing monitoring from quarterly to annual or triennial based on results 

U.S. EPA's website provides fact sheets and guidance for the final federal rule on its website. Over the next three weeks, U.S. EPA will hold webinars to provide more details on the proposed rule. Ohio EPA will review the final federal rule and guidance materials and will initiate the state rule making process in the next couple of months.  Between the release of the federal rule and adoption of Ohio’s rules, Ohio EPA will continue to work with public water systems to reduce concentration of PFAS in drinking water, facilitate funding opportunities and develop guidance.   

Ohio EPA will soon announce a webinar for Ohio public water systems. The webinar will provide information on the PFAS MCL rule and discuss Ohio-specific questions. 

If you have questions about PFAS and drinking water, please direct them to Miranda McGrothers, miranda.mcgrothers@epa.ohio.gov or 614.644.2752. 

Now Available! Lead Service Inventory and Replacement Planning Request for Proposal Advertisement

Ohio EPA is pleased to announce an update for direct assistance with service line inventory development and lead service line replacement plans. Interested contractors can now use the following link to submit a proposal for consideration. Selected contractors will provide assistance related to service line inventories and lead service line replacement planning. Types of assistance provided may include training and outreach related to service line requirements, best practices, reporting requirements, developing a service line inventory, identification of service line material and developing a lead service line replacement plan. Ohio EPA will notify Public Water Systems once the contracts are in place and requests for assistance are being accepted.

More information

Rule Announcements

3/11/2025

DDAGW seeks interested party review comments on proposed rulemaking governing Record Maintenance. Comments are due by April 11, 2025.

8/20/2024

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing PFAS. Comments are due by September 20, 2024.

8/2/2024

DDAGW seeks comments on a plan to file Surface Water Monitoring rules in chapter 3745-81 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). Comments are due by September 2, 2024. See the Early Stakeholder Outreach page for more information.

7/16/2024

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing Disruption of Service comments are due by COB August 23, 2024. Ohio EPA will be holding a virtual and in-person public hearing on the rules on August 23, 2024, at 10:30 AM. See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

7/11/2024

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Source Water Monitoring Rules and Laboratory Certification. Comments are due by August 11, 2024.

6/6/2024

Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-81

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-81.

The amended rule wills be effective as of Thursday, June 20, 2024. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). These rules are being adopted after a draft comment period ending on January 27, 2024, a proposal comment period ending on April 26, 2024, and a public hearing held on April 26, 2024, virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

5/30/2024

Adoption of Amended Rule Language - (OAC) Chapter 3745-81-04

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has adopted the amended rule in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) chapter 3745-81.

The amended rule will be effective as of Thursday, June 13, 2024. (See the Public Notice of Adoption). The rule is being adopted after a draft comment period ending on December 27, 2023, a proposal comment period ending on April 5, 2024, and a public hearing held on April 5, 2024, virtually in Columbus, Ohio.

5/3/2024

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Application for Approval of Plans. Comments are due by June 3rd, 2024.

5/2/2024

The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) has proposed "Amend" to Public Water System License Rule in chapter 3745-84 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

3/21/2024

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing Primary Drinking Water Standards. Comments are due by COB April 26th, 2024. Ohio EPA will be holding a virtual and in-person public hearing on the rules on April 26th, 2024, at 10:30 AM. See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

3/01/2024

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Operator Certification rule. Comments are due by April 1, 2024. See the Interested Party Review page for more information.

2/22/2024

DDAGW seeks Early Stakeholder Outreach comments on proposed rulemaking governing Maximum Contaminant Levels and Point of Entry Devices. Comments are due by March 22, 2024.

2/5/2024

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Administrative Penalties rule. Comments are due by COB March 15, 2024. Ohio EPA will be holding a virtual and in-person public hearing on the rules on March 15, 2024, at 10:30 AM. See the Proposed Rules page for more information.

1/3/2024

DDAGW seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing the Underground Injection Control rule. Comments are due by February 19, 2024. See the Interested Party Review page for more information.