Engineering

Ohio's public water systems (PWSs) provide an invaluable service and vital resource to the populations they serve. Chapter 6109 of the Ohio Revised Code authorizes Ohio EPA to safeguard public health by enforcing requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) oversees the operation and permitting of PWSs, which partially includes the review of engineering plans.

To ensure that adequate quantities of safe drinking water are provided, DDAGW staff review engineering plans and other information pertinent to proposed PWS projects. The division also develops engineering guidance documents, collaborates with the Ohio Section of American Water Works Association and reviews PWS backflow prevention and cross-connection control programs.

For more information or questions about engineering considerations for PWSs, please contact your DDAGW district office or call DDAGW Central Office at 614.644.2752.

IMPORTANT — Plan Submittal Instructions

Please note, starting January 1, 2025, all well site applications will be required to be submitted through the ePlan platform.  Applications will no longer be accepted via email.

Ohio EPA uses the ePlan platform for engineering plan and new well site application submission, review and approval. When plans are received, an invoice for payment of the review fee, along with the instructions on how to pay, will be sent to the party that submitted the plans. Review will begin when payment is received. There is no fee associated with new well site submittals, so those projects will be reviewed upon receipt of a complete application.

Account Set Up and Plan Submission 

You can set up an account at: https://edocpub.epa.ohio.gov/PlanReview

Through this account you will submit your engineering plans, Project Summary Sheet, applicant and project information and any other supporting documents. New well site applications will also be submitted through this account.

Submitter Instructions

If you are submitting a new well site application, please follow the instructions in this video tutorial.

Status Updates 

If you are seeking the status of your plans, simply log in to your ePlans account and select the project to see the current status. 

Status  Review Status   
Plan Submission None  Plans are ready but not submitted 
Coordinator Review  None Plans have been submitted to Ohio EPA
Coordinator Review    Review Cycle Started (but not assigned)
Department Review in Progress  Review Cycle 1, Open, Due xx/xx/20xx Plans have been assigned to Reviewer
Re-Submission Required  Review Cycle 1, Closed  A comment letter has been sent requesting revisions
Department Review in Progress  Review Cycle 2, Open  Revision has been submitted and is being reviewed
Plans Approved  Review Cycle (1 or) 2, Closed  Plans have been approved 

Plan review may result in multiple review cycles before approval. 

Questions?

Plan Review and Approval

Backflow prevention device

If interested in installing a test hole/well for non-potable purposes, or if uncertain whether a PWS well site application will be submitted, registration or permitting through ODNR may be required. Start here:

*Note that if well(s) will withdraw water in an amount exceeding 100,000 gallons per day OR for a new test hole/well that has the capacity for withdrawal or consumptive use of at least one million gallons per day, ODNR registration/permitting will be required.

If interested in installing wells for a new public water system or adding wells to your existing PWS that don’t require registration or permitting through ODNR, start here:

*Please note, starting January 1, 2025, all well site applications will be required to be submitted through the Eplan platform. Applications will no longer be accepted through the engineering email box. Please see the above section for instructions to set up an account.

Project Summary Sheets/Forms

Standards, Policies, Guidance and White Papers

Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control

The following rules only had minor clarifications:

  • OAC Chapter 3745-95-02 - Backflow prevention and cross-connection control
  • OAC Chapter 3745-95-07 – Booster pumps
  • OAC Chapter 3745-95-08 – Deny or discontinue water service

Summary of Major Improvements to OAC 3745-95-01 - Definitions

  • Added “Isolation backflow prevention device" to definitions section.
  • Added “Single property community water system” to definitions section.
  • Added referenced materials to the definition section (e.g., ASSE, AWWA, ASME Standards).
  • Removed redundant definitions present in OAC 3745-81-01, Primary Drinking Water Standards Definitions.

Approved Capacity

Contact Time Calculations