PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS

Staff Services:
Jennifer Valentine, REHS, McCray Wooten, EHST, Nicholas McConnaughey, EHST
P: 740-652-2800
Email: jennifer.valentine@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
The Private Water Systems program is a state mandated program which includes wells, springs, cisterns, and ponds that are used as a potable water supply. A permit is required for each well alteration or new well drilled. Before these can be approved, a water sample is collected to make sure the water is acceptable, free from coliform bacteria, E. Coli, and nitrates. All well drillers are registered by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and are inspected annually for renewal of licenses.

3701-28-03 Permits, system approval and sampling requirements.

CURRENT PRIVATE WATER SYSTEM PERMIT FEES FOR FAIRFIELD COUNTY
For information regarding current costs and fees,
please contact the Environmental Office at 740-652-2800 option 3
PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS FAQ'S

How do I get a private water system permit?

Obtained permit application online or by contacting the Environmental Clerks at either 740-652-2813 or 740-652-2837.  They can also be reached by email at either cindy.sharpe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov or marissa.daugherty@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.

How much does a permit cost?

Permit costs are subject to change from year to year.  For the current cost of a permit, please contact the Environmental Office at either 740-652-2813 or 740-652-2837.  The Clerks can also be reached by email at either cindy.sharpe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov or marissa.daugherty@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.

How do I schedule a water sample?

To schedule a water sample, please contact the Environmental Office at either 740-652-2813 or 740-652-2837.  The Clerks can also be reached by email at either cindy.sharpe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov or marissa.daugherty@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.

How much does a water sample cost?

Sample costs are subject to change from year to year.  For the current cost of a permit, please contact the Environmental Clerks at either 740-652-2813 or 740-652-2837.  They can also be reached by email at either cindy.sharpe@fairfieldcountyohio.gov or marissa.daugherty@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.

What do you test for?

Water samples obtained by the Fairfield Department of Health are tested for coliform bacteria and e coli.  A color strip test for nitrates/ nitrites is also performed during the first sample for a newly constructed well or upon request.

I want to build a new house on a lot with an existing well. Can I connect the new house to the existing system?

Is the existing well in good working condition?  If the answer is yes, you will be permitted to connect to the existing system with an alteration permit.  If the answer to is no, you will be required to install a new well.  If you are unsure, you should contact a registered well contractor to have the well evaluated.

I want to install a pool or barn on my property. How far from my well does it need to be?

Any structure added to your property, such as a pool, building, patio, deck, etc., must maintain a ten-foot isolation distance from the well.

My well water is cloudy or has a bad smell. What do I do?

If you are experiencing issues of concern with your private water system, you should contact a registered well contractor.  The well contractor will be able to diagnose the issue and determine the appropriate course of action.

I want to apply for a variance to the rules. What do I do?

Variance Request Form
You should discuss the issue with an Environmental Health Specialist before submitting your request for review by the Fairfield County Board of Health.  There is a fee required for submission and there is no guarantee the request will be approved by the Board of Health.

Where can I find the rules governing private water systems?

The regulations governing sewage treatment systems in the State of Ohio can be found in the Ohio Administrative Code, Section 3701-28.

What are PFAS, or forever chemicals, and do I need to test for them?

PFAS in Drinking Water: Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to analyze the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Ohio's drinking water.