Private Water Systems
Private Water Systems Overview
Private water systems allow homes without access to public water the ability to obtain clean drinking water. Wells, hauled water storage tanks, and cisterns are the three systems approved for use under Ohio Administrative Code. Wells are encased holes that are drilled down to the aquifer, where groundwater is pulled up and used for a home. Aquifers replenish their water supply naturally over time, making wells a reliable source for private water. Hauled water storage tanks are large concrete or plastic tanks that are placed in the ground with an above ground access point. Water haulers that are registered with Clinton County can then deliver water directly to the home at the discretion of the homeowner. Cisterns are extremely similar to hauled water storage tanks with the exception that they are permitted to receive rain water from the house it serves. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3701-344 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-28 created authority for regulating private water systems in Ohio. Clinton County Health District conducts inspections, permitting, and enforcement for the installation of all private water systems in Clinton County.
Information for Homeowners
Steps for Installing a New Private Water System
1. Contract with a registered private water contractor. Your contractor will pull a permit to install a new system on your property.
2. After the installation is complete, your contractor will submit a completion form and other pertinent logs to Clinton County. Once this is done, a member of the Clinton County Health District will contact you to schedule a water test and final inspection.
3. Once your water test results meet minimum safety standards, your permit will be completed and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail.
Obtaining a Water Test
For your convenience, we contract with MASI Laboratories to conduct all of our water samples. Coliform detection is the most common water test, but there are also options for lead, arsenic, pesticides, and many other tests. When testing for coliforms you can obtain either a certified sample or a regular sample. Certified samples are collected by Health District employees and are typically required for a variety of home loans, including FHA loans, VA loans, and many others. Regular samples can be collected by yourself and brought back before sample pick up at 10:00am every Tuesday. To get your water tested stop at our office on 111 S. Nelson Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 Suite B to pick up a water sample bottle, or contact us at (937) 382-3829 or info@clincohd.com to schedule a certified sample.
Additional Resources
Information on Coliform Bacteria
Registered Private Water System Contractors
Well Disinfection Facts and Instructions
Information For Contractors
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